SRINAGAR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to make his 12th visit to Jammu and Kashmir on Monday, January 13, to inaugurate the much-awaited Z-Morh tunnel in Sonamarg, Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district. This visit marks a significant milestone in his tenure since assuming office in 2014.
Modi first took office as Prime Minister on May 26, 2014, and began his third consecutive term on June 9, 2024.
During his previous 11 visits to Jammu and Kashmir, Modi inaugurated numerous development projects and announced financial packages worth thousands of crores.
On July 4, 2014, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Udhampur-Katra railway line, enhancing connectivity to the Vaishno Devi shrine. Later that year, during the devastating floods in September, he visited to assess the damage and announced a relief package of Rs 1,000 crore for rescue and rehabilitation.
In 2015, Modi inaugurated the second phase of the Baglihar Hydro Electric Project (450 MW) in Ramban and launched an Rs 80,000 crore economic package for Jammu and Kashmir on November 7. He also laid the foundation for national highway projects, including the Udhampur-Ramban and Ramban-Banihal sections of NH-44.
On April 19, 2016, Modi inaugurated the Shri Mata Vaishno Devi Narayana Super Speciality Hospital, delivered the convocation address at Shri Mata Vaishno Devi University, and opened a sports complex in Katra.
On April 2, 2017, he inaugurated the Chenani-Nashri Tunnel, India’s longest road tunnel at the time, significantly improving Jammu-Srinagar connectivity. On October 19, 2017, he celebrated Diwali with soldiers in Gurez, recognizing their contributions.
On May 19, 2018, the Prime Minister inaugurated the Kishanganga Hydroelectric Project, laid the foundation for the Pakal Dul Hydroelectric Project in Kishtwar, and inaugurated 16 model degree colleges and 66 entrepreneurship hubs across the region.
On February 3, 2019, Modi inaugurated the University of Ladakh, laid the foundation for AIIMS Jammu, and launched the Srinagar Ring Road Project. He also introduced rural BPOs in Bandipora and Ganderbal.
Direct visits were halted due to the COVID-19 pandemic in 2020 and 2021. However, in June 2021, he chaired an all-party meeting with Jammu and Kashmir leaders to emphasize political engagement.
In 2023, Modi made two visits: one in June for a two-day trip to inaugurate and launch various development projects, and another in September for an election rally—the first since the revocation of Jammu and Kashmir’s special status in 2019.
On February 20, 2024, projects worth over Rs 32,000 crore were launched, furthering development in the region.
Key Development Projects
Railways: Modi inaugurated a 48-km railway line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan and the newly electrified 185.66-km Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section. He also flagged off the first electric train in the Valley, promoting connectivity and environmental sustainability.
Education: Permanent campuses for IIT Jammu and IIM Jammu were inaugurated, enhancing higher education infrastructure in the region.
Healthcare: AIIMS Vijaypur in Samba, Jammu, was inaugurated with a capacity of 720 beds, along with associated medical colleges, at a cost of Rs 1,660 crore.
Aviation: Modi laid the foundation for a new terminal building at Jammu Airport, designed to accommodate about 2,000 passengers during peak hours, boosting regional connectivity.
Roads: Key road projects, including two stretches (44.22 km) of the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway and the second phase of the four-laning of the Srinagar Ring Road, were initiated to improve intra-regional connectivity.
Additionally, on January 6, 2025, Modi virtually inaugurated the New Jammu Railway Division, a transformative step in enhancing the region’s rail connectivity and infrastructure. (KNO)
