PM Modi's J&K visit: First formal event after scrapping of Article 370, preparations in full swing

Security checks are underway at the venue in Palli village in Samba from where PM Modi will address the panchayats across the nation on the occasion of Panchayati Raj Diwas

In Jammu and Kashmir, a red alert has been issued following the encounter near Sunjwan army camp. Traffic police Jammu has already issued an advisory announcing certain restrictions and route plans for the public to reach the venue.

Picture credit: ANI

The projects being inaugurated or whose foundation stones will be laid in this visit will go a long way in facilitating basic amenities, ensuring ease of mobility and development of infrastructure in the region.

Picture credit: ANI

Modi will inaugurate the Banihal-Qazigund road tunnel, built at a cost of over Rs 3,100 crore. The 8.45-km-long tunnel will reduce the road distance between Banihal and Qazigund by 16 km, and reduce journey time by around one and a half hours.

It is a twin tube tunnel, one for each direction of travel, and the tubes are interconnected by a cross passage every 500 m for maintenance and emergency evacuation.

Picture credit: ANI (twitter)

He will also lay the foundation stone of three road packages of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway, being built at a cost of over Rs. 7,500 crore.

Among other projects, Modi will lay the foundation stone of Ratle and Kwar hydroelectric projects, a 850 MW facility to be constructed on Chenab river in Kishtwar at a cost of around Rs 5,300 crore, and 540 MW Kwar hydroelectric project to be build in on the same river at a cost of over Rs 4,500 crore.

Picture credit: ANI (twitter)

PM Modi will also hand over 'SVAMITVA' (survey of villages and mapping with improvised technology in village areas) cards to beneficiaries under the scheme. The cards will give villagers documentary proof of their ownership of properties so that they can use them for financial benefits if required.

He will also transfer award money to panchayats which are winners of awards given across different categories.

The PMO noted that the 'Amrit Sarovar' project is part of the celebration of the 'Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav'.

Picture credit: ANI (twitter)

(With inputs from agencies)