PM kickstarts work for strategic Zoji La in Leh
Leh, May 19: Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his day- long visit to Jammu and Kashmir by kickstarting Asia’s longest Zoji La Tunnel, part of ` 25,000 crore projects to be unveiled or dedicated to the nation on Saturday, saying it showed New Delhi’s committment to all- round development of the state.
Addressing a large congregation gathered in Leh ground for the closing ceremony for birth centenary celebration of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche, the Prime Minister said that the tunnel would help in connecting the region with the rest of the country, a dream of the Buddhist spiritual guru.
The Zoji La is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar- KargilLeh National highway and remains closed during winters due to heavy snowfall, cutting off Ladakh region from Kashmir.
The Prime Minister also announced the creation of a virtual museum which would showcase the history and tradition of Ladakh region to the world.
Mr Modi arrived here this morning on a daylong visit to the state, his first after the Centre announced suspension of operations against terror groups during the holy month of Ramzan.
Accompanied by road and transport minister Nitin Gadkari and minister of state in the PMO Jitendra Singh, chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, Modi paid tributes to Kushok Bakula Rinpoche at the closing ceremony and unveiled his plaque.
He began his speech in local language which was greeted by applause by a large crowd which had come to attend the function.
Paying rich tributes to Bakul Rimpoche, he said, “We remember the rich contribution of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. His was a life dedicated to serving others.”
Unveiling a plaque for commencing the work for the tunnel, Modi said, “Zoji La is not a mere tunnel but a modern day marvel.”
He said the cabon dioxide would be removed from the tunnel through a tower, seven times higher than the Qutub Minar.
Modi said it would provide connectivity to the region besides employment to the local youths.
“Jammu and Kashmir is going to get development projects worth ` 25,000 crore. These projects will have a positive impact on the people of the state,” he said.