Development projects open door to prosperity in J&K: PM

Prime Minister Narendra Modi today laid the foundation of the Rs 8,100-crore Pakal Dul hydroelectric power project, saying such initiatives opened a new door to prosperity in Jammu and Kashmir.

Pakal Dul was part of a series of development projects inaugurated during Modi's day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir.

Earlier in the day, Modi had kicked off work on Zojila tunnel on Srinagar-Leh highway and inaugurated the Kishanganga power project in the Valley.

He also opened a new track to the Vaishno Devi shrine.

"This day is very important for Jammu and Kashmir. This is my fourth programme today, he said in his address at Zorawar Auditorium, the venue from where the Jammu region projects were formally launched.

I am watching the flow of development from hills of Ladakh to Kashmir and now to the Jammu plains," he said.

The prime minister began his speech in Dogri, drawing applause from the gathering.

"I seek an apology for you all for being late in view of this chain of programmes," he said.

"Whether it Zojila tunnel of Leh or Kishanganga at Bandipora or a new power project (Pakal Dul) being constructed on Chenab river in Kishtwar, I see a new door of prosperity opening in Jammu and Kashmir," Modi said.

Pakal Dul will produce a third of the total electricity generated in the state and create jobs for 2,500 people, he said.

He also launched a Rs 2,023-crore Jammu ring road plan, which he said will rid the city of the menace of traffic jams when it is completed in three year.

"This ring road will create a new Jammu on its two sides, he said.

Modi said that Centre's focus in J&K is on building infrastructure, whether it highways, railways, waterways or roadways.