Expresses heartfelt gratitude to PM for dedicating the historic railway projects to the people of J&K and the nation
SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor (LG), Manoj Sinha today said that with Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) and the launch of Vande Bharat trains to Kashmir Valley, by the Prime Minister, Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer a slogan.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the iconic Chenab Bridge, Anji rail bridge and Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL) project and flagged off Vande Bharat Trains, connecting Kashmir to Kanyakumari.
Speaking on the occasion, LG said: “Kashmir to Kanyakumari is no longer a slogan. Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has turned this decade-long dream into reality. He has connected the hearts of millions of Indians, forging an unbreakable bond from North to South.”
He said that PM has fulfilled the resolve of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and Dr. Syama Prasad Mookerjee, who had dreamt of Ek Bharat Shreshtha Bharat.
Calling the event a momentous occasion, LG expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the Prime Minister for dedicating the historic railway projects to the people of Jammu Kashmir and the nation.
LG 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.
He further said that Prime Minister has changed J&K UT in the last 6 years.
“Its holistic development is top priority for Hon’ble Prime Minister and his various policies, speedy implementation and industrialisation has brought the Union Territory to the focal point of growth.
The LG said that PM 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.
He disclosed that since April 2022, in the last three years, PM has dedicated and laid the foundation stone of development projects worth over Rs 1.15 Lakh Crore to the people of Jammu Kashmir.
Lieutenant Governor also expressed his gratitude to the Prime Minister for ensuring firm and decisive action against terrorism and its ecosystem.
“Operation Sindoor avenged the barbaric terrorist attack in Pahalgam, and has drawn a new red line. On one hand the unmatched power of our armed forces is ready to protect the integrity of the nation and the other creative power is dedicated for a developed India,” the Lieutenant Governor said.
In a major boost to last mile connectivity especially in border areas, 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.
LG undertakes ride in SPIC on USBRL
The Lieutenant Governor, Manoj Sinha today undertook a ride in Self-Propelled Inspection Car (SPIC) on Udhampur–Srinagar–Baramulla Rail track from Katra to Nowgam Station, Srinagar. The Rail Link was dedicated to the nation by Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
The Lieutenant Governor inspected all tunnels and bridges on the route and reviewed security and safety measures in place, an official communique said, adding, that LG also interacted with pilots and railways officials and expressed his happiness and pride on Kashmir’s all weather railway connectivity with the rest of India.
During his journey, the LG was accompanied by the Union Minister for Railways, Information & Broadcasting, Electronics & Information Technology, Ashwini Vaishnaw.