PM lays foundation stone of Zojila Tunnel on Srinagar-Leh highway

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on May 19 laid the foundation stone of Zojila Tunnel. The tunnel has been built to provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh.

Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and Union Ministers Nitin Gadkari and Jitendra Singh were also present on the occasion.

It may be mentioned here that Zojila pass will be Asia's longest bi-directional tunnel, situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway.

During his speech, Modi informed that Jammu and Kashmir is going to get development projects worth 25,000 crore rupees. "There is great scope for agricultural growth across the state. Jammu and Kashmir can also play a key role in holistic healthcare" the PM added.

The PM also inaugurated the 330-MW Kishanganga hydel power project in Srinagar. The project has been built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) in north Kashmir's Bandipora district at a cost of 5200 crore rupees. It is expected to generate 1,713 million units of electricity per annum.