The visit marked the Prime Minister’s first since the Supreme Court, in December, upheld the abrogation of Article 370. The court also ordered the restoration of statehood and instructed the Centre to hold Assembly elections by September 2024. The party convened the inaugural meeting of its state election committee in the Union Territory and conducted a workshop on its nationwide “Gaon Chalo Abhiyan”.

He urged people to support the BJP and NDA in elections, emphasizing the need for a strong mandate to continue the region’s progress. On Tuesday, the PM inaugurated AIIMS, Jammu; the world’s highest railway bridge over Chenab; and north India’s first river rejuvenation project — the Devika River project — in Udhampur. The 1.3 km-long rail bridge, located 359 meters above the Chenab, is 35 meters higher than the Eiffel Tower in Paris and forms a crucial link in the 111-km Katra–Banihal stretch.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi has reiterated his commitment to the development of Jammu and Kashmir, emphasizing that a developed Jammu & Kashmir is essential for achieving a developed India. During a ‘Viksit Bharat’ programme, he expressed that his relationship with the region spans over 40 years, highlighting the central government’s numerous developmental projects dedicated to transforming this vision into reality.

The Prime Minister’s remarks came as he inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for transformative projects worth ₹32,000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. Among the key projects inaugurated was the commissioning of the  Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan section, which features the usage of Ballast Less Track (BLT) all along the route, providing a better riding experience to the passengers. Additionally, the prime minister flagged off the first Electric Train in the valley and also the train service between Sangaldan station and Baramulla station.

PM Modi also handed out appointment orders to approximately 1500 newly recruited government officials, underscoring the government’s commitment to job creation and economic development in the region.

In his address, PM Modi expressed unwavering confidence in the potential of Jammu and Kashmir, vowing to fulfill the dreams of its people with the vision of ‘Viksit Jammu and Kashmir’. He highlighted the significant reduction in incidents of terrorism, citing a 75% decrease, and the end of appeasement politics, which has empowered marginalized communities.

In a significant boost to the railway infrastructure, Prime Minister Modi is set to lay the foundation for 550 ‘Amrit Bharat’ stations. Additionally, during a virtual event spanning over 2,000 railway stations, he will also initiate the groundwork for approximately 1,500 road overbridges and underbridges across various states. This initiative aims to enhance connectivity and infrastructure development, marking a crucial step in the country’s transportation progress.

Jammu and Kashmir Lt Governor Manoj Sinha and Union minister Jitendra Singh were also present at the event, lauding the remarkable reduction in incidents of terrorism and the end of appeasement politics, respectively.The Prime Minister’s remarks underscored the importance of a developed Jammu & Kashmir in achieving a developed India, and the government’s dedication to realizing this vision.

BY – KASHISH JAIN