Jammu and Kashmir is witnessing transformative reforms since the abrogation of Article 370. Several large-scale infrastructure projects have boosted the region’s economy and improved connectivity, thereby easing the lives of people. To improve the health facilities in Jammu and Kashmir, Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in Jammu last year. He also inaugurated the Indian Institute of Management (IIM) Jammu’s new campus at Jagti in Jammu and Kashmir. Mr. Modi also laid the foundation stone for a new 40 thousand square meters terminal building at Jammu Airport, which is designed to handle around two thousand passengers during peak hours. The terminal will be equipped with modern amenities. This new terminal will enhance air connectivity, boost tourism and trade, and accelerate regional economic growth. The Prime Minister also launched several railway projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including the new 48 kilometres rail line between Banihal-Khari-Sumber-Sangaldan and the newly electrified 185 kilometres Baramulla-Srinagar-Banihal-Sangaldan section. He also flagged off the valley’s first electric train and inaugurated the train service between Sangaldan and Baramulla stations.
To improve road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, several road projects were initiated in the region, including the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra Expressway connecting Jammu to Katra, the four-laning of Srinagar ring roads, and the upgradation of the Srinagar-Baramulla-Uri stretch of National Highway-1. The 12-kilometre Sonamarg tunnel project was inaugurated by the Prime Minister in January this year, which will ensure all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg. As the Central Government is continuously engaged in strengthening security mechanisms in the state, the Assembly and Municipal Body elections in Jammu and Kashmir were conducted peacefully. These elections marked a significant moment for the region, as it was the first election after the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019. Enhanced security also helped tourism. A record number of tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir last year.
