PM Narendra Modi gives Rs 25,000 cr for infrastructure projects in J&K

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday gave a major push to development in Jammu and Kashmir by allocating Rs 25,000 crore to major infrastructure projects. From dedicating Rs 6,000 crore for the 330 MWs Kishanganga Hydel Project, to kick-starting the work on Rs 6,800-crore Zojila tunnel to laying the foundation stone for the Rs 1,860-crore 42.1 km-long Srinagar Ring Road and the Rs 2,023.87 crore 58.25 km Jammu Ring Road, Modi made it clear that development of the state was a priority for his government.

"Jammu and Kashmir deserve topmost quality of development, the best roads, best education, best healthcare systems and this is exactly what the NDA Governments in the Centre as well as the state are working to provide," he said.

The Srinagar Ring Road will link Galandar in west Srinagar to Sumbal, and provide a new route from Srinagar to Kargil and Leh, reducing travel time. The Jammu Ring Road will link Jagati in western Jammu to Raya Morh.

The Prime Minister also unveiled a plaque which marks commencement of work on Zojila tunnel that will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil and Leh. He also laid the foundation stone for the 1000 MW Pakal Dul Power Project in Chenab valley. "This project will fulfil Jammu and Kashmir's energy needs," he said.