Jammu/Leh,
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday kickstarted work on Asia’s longest bi-directional Zojila tunnel, connecting Kashmir’s Sonamarg with the Gumri area of Kargil district, by unveiling a plaque at Leh during his one-day visit to the state.

The tunnel will provide all-weather access to the arid Ladakh region.

The Prime Minister said the 14.5-km Zojila tunnel was not just an infrastructure project, but it was also going to be a “technological marvel”. He said it was expected to be completed in five years against the proposed deadline of seven years.

Zojila is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh national highway and remains closed for six months due to heavy snowfall.

“Every resident in the state will be proud that the Centre and the state government are working strenuously for the overall development of Jammu and Kashmir. In one day, projects worth Rs 25,000 crore will either be inaugurated or initiated in the state. These projects will have a positive impact on the people of the state,” said PM Modi, while addressing a large gathering of people, who had converged in traditional attires to be part of the closing ceremony for the birth centenary celebrations of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the architect of modern Ladakh.

The Prime Minister, who started his speech in Ladakhi language that drew huge applause from the audience, showered praises on the people of Ladakh for their determination and endeavours to excel in different fields.

“Despite hardships, difficult terrain and inaccessibility, people in Ladakh have set an example as how we can one march on the path of progress and development. This example will have to be followed by the people of other regions — Kashmir and Jammu,” the Prime Minister said.

Referring to the entrepreneurship programmes of women in Ladakh, the Prime Minister said the self-confidence of Ladakhi people had taken them to great heights. “Women in Ladakh have set an example for the rest of the country,” he said.

Expressing concern over non-payment to flood-affected people in Leh, PM Modi said an inquiry would be held to find out why compensation was not paid and who was responsible for the inordinate delay or lapses in this regard. “We will ensure that all affected people get compensation,” he said.

He said when he took over as the Prime Minister, thousands of villages were without electricity. “My government took electrification process on the mission mode and pulled these villages out of darkness. Nearly four crore houses that do not have electricity even after 70 years of Independence would be given connection within one and a half year,” he said.

The Prime Minister also promised creation of a state-of-the-art cultural centre and a digital museum in Leh, saying it would be a centre of attraction for tourists visiting the Ladakh region.

He also assured that the demand for a medical college in Ladakh would be considered seriously and asked the state and the Centre to furnish a report in this regard.