Zojila, June 9: Describing the breakthrough of the strategically important Zojila Tunnel as a defining moment for the region, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday said the project would usher in a new era of connectivity and bring lasting benefits to the people of Ladakh and Jammu & Kashmir.
Speaking at the breakthrough ceremony attended by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari, the Chief Minister congratulated the people of Ladakh and expressed gratitude to the Union Minister and his ministry for taking the ambitious project to a historic stage.
Omar Abdullah said the dream of maintaining uninterrupted road connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh had remained elusive for generations and that the breakthrough marks the beginning of its fulfilment.
According to the Chief Minister, the true significance of the tunnel can only be understood by those who have faced the hardships caused by the seasonal closure of the Zojila Pass. He said the project would particularly benefit patients in need of urgent medical care, students pursuing education outside their home districts and families whose lives have long been disrupted during the harsh winter months.
“The impact of this tunnel will be felt in every household. It will ease travel, improve access to healthcare and education, and strengthen the bond between the people of Kashmir and Ladakh,” Omar Abdullah said.
The Chief Minister noted that apart from ensuring all-weather connectivity, the tunnel would provide a major boost to tourism, trade and economic activities, while further integrating the remote regions of Ladakh with the rest of the country.
Calling the breakthrough a historic achievement, Omar Abdullah said the project would stand as a lasting symbol of development and fulfil a long-cherished aspiration of the people of the region.
