J&K Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday described the Zojila Tunnel as a transformative project that will significantly improve the lives of people across the region.
The Chief Minister accompanied union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari during the historic breakthrough ceremony of the Zojila Tunnel. The breakthrough was achieved after Gadkari pressed a remote-triggered blasting mechanism at the East Portal site near Minimarg in Ladakh. The event was also attended by Jammu and Kashmir Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha and other senior officials.
Speaking on the occasion, Omar Abdullah said the tunnel would enhance access to education, healthcare and markets while providing a major boost to tourism and trade.
“It will bring improvements in people’s lives that we may not fully realise today,” he noted, while congratulating the people of the region.
The Chief Minister described the breakthrough as the fulfilment of a long-pending aspiration of the people and stressed the need to complete the remaining works expeditiously so that the tunnel becomes fully operational at the earliest.
Highlighting broader connectivity issues, Omar Abdullah also underscored the need for improved air connectivity to Kargil. He noted that efforts had been made in this regard but said additional support was required.
Referring to the issue, he said there remained “one aspiration still unfulfilled” and urged the union Minister to facilitate regular flight services to Kargil, expressing confidence that the demand would soon be realised.
He said by congratulating the people of Drass and commending all stakeholders involved in the successful execution of the project.
