In his speech at the inauguration of the Sonamarg tunnel on January 13, 2025, Prime Minister Narendra Modi emphasized the significance of Kashmir, calling it the “crown of India,” and vowed to remove any roadblocks in its progress. He paid tribute to the workers who sacrificed their lives during the tunnel’s construction, underscoring their resilience in the face of terrorism. PM Modi assured the people of Jammu and Kashmir (J&K) that their dreams of development would be realized, with the removal of obstacles and ongoing infrastructure projects.

PM Modi highlighted the importance of connectivity, mentioning the Sonamarg tunnel, the upcoming Zojila tunnel, and several other initiatives to improve J&K’s infrastructure. He also referred to the growing tourism sector, with over two crore tourists visiting J&K in 2024, signaling a return to the region’s former glory as “paradise on earth.”

The Prime Minister discussed the ongoing transformation in the region, from improvements in roadways and education to the creation of new jobs and opportunities for the youth. He expressed confidence that by 2040, India would be a developed nation, and every region, including J&K, would benefit from this progress.

Union Minister Nitin Gadkari also spoke about the importance of infrastructure, emphasizing the completion of key projects like the Sonamarg and Zojila tunnels, which will further improve connectivity between regions such as Ladakh and Kashmir. He noted that the travel time between Delhi and Srinagar would soon be reduced significantly.

Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also praised the Prime Minister’s efforts, with Sinha highlighting the immense progress in infrastructure and connectivity in J&K, while Abdullah spoke about the hope that J&K would soon regain its full status within India.

The event marked a significant milestone in J&K’s development, with promises of continued efforts to ensure peace, prosperity, and integration into the broader national framework.