Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the 330-MW Kishenganga hydel power project in Srinagar.

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

The project has been built by the National Hydroelectric Power Corporation in north Kashmir’s Bandipora district. It has been constructed at a cost of 5200 crore rupees.

It is expected to generate 1,713 million units of electricity per annum. Jammu and Kashmir would get 12 percent of power from the project.

PM Modi also laid the foundation stone of the ring road project in Srinagar. This will boost connectivity with Bandipora, Uri and Ganderbal.

Earlier, PM Modi laid the foundation stone of Zojila Tunnel, providing all-weather connectivity between Srinagar, Kargil, and Leh.

The Zojila pass will be Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel. It is situated at an altitude of 11,578 feet on Srinagar-Kargil-Leh National Highway which remains closed during winters.

Addressing the gathering in Leh, PM Modi said, Jammu and Kashmir is going to get development projects worth 25,000 crore rupees. He said these projects will have a positive impact on the people of the state.

PM Modi said, there is great scope for agricultural growth across the state. He said Jammu and Kashmir can play a key role in holistic healthcare.

The Prime Minister also attended the closing ceremony of the birth centenary celebrations of the 19th Kushok Bakula Rinpoche. He said the Buddhist leader distinguished himself as an outstanding diplomat.

PM Modi said, during his Mongolia visit, he witnessed the goodwill Bakula Rinpoche has in that country.

The Prime Minister reached Leh this morning on a day-long visit to Jammu and Kashmir. He expressed happiness that he will be visiting all three regions of the state. The Prime Minister will visit Jammu also.

In Jammu, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone of a 1,000 MW hydroelectric power project. Pakal Dul Hydro Electric Project is being built on the tributary of the Chenab river in far-flung Kishtwar district.

It is expected to be completed in over five years at an estimated cost of 8,112 crore rupees. The project would be equipped with an underground powerhouse having 4 units of 250 MW each.

PM Modi will also lay the foundation stone of ring road project in Jammu. The road project is being built at an estimated cost of 2,024 crore rupees.

The 58.25 km-long road project would be constructed between Raya Morh-Vijaypur in Samba district and Jagti-Nagrota in Jammu district. It is expected to be completed in around three years’ time period.

The two ring road projects are aimed at reducing traffic congestion and making road travel safer, more convenient and environment-friendly.

PM Modi will also inaugurate the Tarakote Marg and Material Ropeway which will prove beneficial for Vaishno Devi pilgrims.