PM kickstarts work for Asia's longest Zojila tunnel

Prime Minister Narendra Modi started his day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir by kickstarting Asia's longest Zojila Tunnel, part of Rs 25,000 crore projects to be unveiled or dedicated to the nation today, 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 the tunnel would help in connecting the region with the rest of the country, a dream of the Buddhist spiritual guru.

The Zojila pass is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on the Srinagar-Kargil-Leh 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.

Modi arrived here this morning on a day-long 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, "Zojila tunnel is not a mere tunnel but a modern day marvel."