Katra, Jun 06 (KNO): Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha on Friday said that the dream of a truly united India— from Kashmir to Kanyakumari — is no longer a mere slogan, but a lived reality, thanks to the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, who has dedicated the Kashmir rail project to the nation.
Addressing a gathering here after PM Modi inaugurated Chenab Bridge, Anji Bridge and flagged off train to Kashmir, LG Sinha, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said, “By flagging off the Vande Bharat trains and dedicating the Kashmir rail project to the country, Prime Minister Narendra Modi has physically and emotionally united the two ends of the nation — fulfilling the long-cherished dream of national integration envisioned by Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee.”
“PM Modi has connected the hearts of millions of Indians, forging an unbreakable bond from North to South,” LG Sinha added.
The Lieutenant Governor observed that the world's tallest Chenab Railway Bridge and the country's first Cable-Stayed Anji Rail Bridge, inaugurated today, ensures that J&K gets connected with new aspirations of progress.
He said the skills of our engineers to build Chenab, Anji Bridge and hard work of our workers who carve through the mountains have eliminated the gaps that existed between crown Jewel of India and rest of the country, the Lieutenant Governor said.
Highlighting the pace of development in Jammu and Kashmir under the current leadership, the Lieutenant Governor noted, “In the last three years alone, projects worth Rs 1,16,000 crore have been completed, which is unprecedented. The bridges, highways, tunnels, and rail links are not just infrastructure, but the symbols of a new, developing Jammu and Kashmir.”
He emphasized that these infrastructure developments have laid the foundation for new pillars of progress and drawn a “new line of destiny” for the people of the region.
“J&K’s holistic development is top priority for the Prime Minister and his various policies, speedy implementation and industrialisation has brought the Union Territory to the focal point of growth. The Prime Minister had lit a new torch of socio-economic revolution in J&K post August 2019. He built strong pillars of economic development in J&K & now laid new lines of destiny in the form of railway lines on it to transform J&K at a new pace,” LG Sinha said.
The Lieutenant Governor also expressed his gratitude to the Hon'ble Prime Minister for ensuring firm and decisive action against terrorism and its ecosystem.
Referring to the tragic Pahalgam terror attack in which 26 people, mostly tourists, lost their lives, LG Sinha said, “Our response through Operation Sindoor was swift and strong. It sent a befitting message that terrorism will not be tolerated on the soil of J&K.”
The Lieutenant Governor expressed his gratitude to Prime Minister Modi, saying, “PM Modi has not only developed Jammu and Kashmir but has also instilled new hope, pride, and opportunity in the hearts of its people.”
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone and inaugurated various road projects. He laid the foundation stone of road widening project from Rafiabad to Kupwara on National Highway-701 and the construction of Shopian bypass road on NH-444 worth over Rs 1,952 crore.
He also inaugurated two flyover projects at Sangrama Junction on National Highway-1 in Srinagar and at Bemina Junction on National Highway-44. These projects will ease traffic congestion and enhance traffic flow for the commuters.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone of Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Institute of Medical Excellence in Katra worth over Rs 350 crore. It will be the first medical college in Reasi district contributing substantially to the healthcare infrastructure in the region—(KNO)