'Modi keeps his promises, right things will happen at right time': PM in Jammu and Kashmir

Modi's remarks followed CM Omar Abdullah’s earlier call for the restoration of statehood, which he raised during his address at the same event.

Srinagar: Stating that his government fulfils the promises it makes, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Monday said the right things will happen at the right time.

Addressing a public meeting after inaugurating the strategically important Z-Morh tunnel in Central Kashmir’s Ganderbal district, Modi emphasized that his government delivers on its commitments and assured the crowd that “right things will happen at the right time.”

Without directly addressing the ongoing demand for the restoration of Jammu and Kashmir’s statehood, Modi stated: “I am Modi, and I keep the promises I make. All commitments that have been made will be fulfilled. There is a right time for everything.”

His remarks followed Chief Minister Omar Abdullah’s earlier call for the restoration of statehood, which he raised during his address at the same event.

Modi highlighted Jammu and Kashmir’s transformation into a hub of infrastructure development, with an array of ongoing projects. “Our Jammu and Kashmir is becoming a hub of tunnels, bridges, and ropeways,” he said, pointing to the construction of the world’s highest railroad bridge and Chenab bridge, showcasing the region’s growing engineering feats.

The Prime Minister also praised the region’s progress, saying, “Kashmir is the crown of India, and I want it to be beautiful and prosperous.”

“Effects of an atmosphere of peace in Jammu and Kashmir are visible with thriving tourism. Kashmir is writing a new saga of development today. Hard work of my government has changed the situation in the Valley and now people are going to Lal Chowk to eat ice cream at night,” he said.

“My artist friends from Kashmir have made Polo View Market (Srinagar) a new habitat centre. In Srinagar, people go to the cinema hall with their children and watch movies. No government can do so many things that change the situation,” he said and added that a few months ago, an international marathon was held for the first time in Srinagar.

Modi said Omar also participated in the marathon and its video went viral. “I specially congratulated him (Omar) when I met him in Delhi. This is really a new era of Jammu and Kashmir," he added.

The Prime Minister said people are happy with the developmental works. “Schools and colleges are being constructed. The whole nation is engaged in making India a developed nation. It is possible when no part of the family is left behind in the race of development. Sabka Saath Sabka Vikas is our resolve,” Modi added.

Modi also touched on the Zojila Tunnel project, which will further enhance connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, stressing the transformative impact of these projects on the region’s infrastructure.

The Z-Morh Tunnel, built at a cost of ₹2,700 crore, is set to improve all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Sonamarg, bypassing landslide-prone areas and ensuring safer, uninterrupted access to Ladakh. The tunnel, spanning 6.4 km and situated at an altitude of over 8,650 feet, is expected to boost tourism, adventure sports, and local livelihoods, transforming Sonamarg into a year-round destination.

Along with the Zojila Tunnel, which is set for completion by 2028, the new tunnel will reduce the route length between Srinagar and Leh from 49 km to 43 km and increase vehicle speed from 30 km/h to 70 km/h, ensuring seamless NH-1 connectivity.