J&K: Prime Minister launches several development projects

Jammu, Feb 03 (Only Kashmir): Prime Minister Narendra Modi Sunday launched several development projects in Jammu and Kashmir during his day-long visit to the State. He laid foundation of prestigious AIIMS in Jammu and Srinagar.
Beginning his J&K visit from Ladakh this morning, Prime Minister laid foundation of New Terminal Building of Kushak Bakula Rinpoche Airport at Leh.
Prime Minister also dedicated to the nation 220 KV Single Circuit, Srinagar-Alusteng-Drass-Kargil-Khaltsi-Leh Transmission System to connect Ladakh with the National Grid for assured power supply.
Prime Minister also inaugurated 9MW Dah Hydroelectric Project in Ladakh. The project has been completed at a cost of Rs 95 crores and it will provide electricity to around half a dozen villages in the area.
Prime Minister also launched the University of Ladakh established under University of Ladakh Act 2018.
The Prime Minister also declared open several new tourist and trekking routes in Ladakh region to facilitate more tourist footfall in the area.
In addition, Protected Area Permit’s validity has been increased to 15 days in Ladakh region. Now tourists will be able to enjoy their journey in Ladakh for a longer time.
Prime Minister also addressed a gathering at the auditorium of the Central Institute of Buddhist Studies (CIBS) Leh.

At Jammu, Prime Minister laid foundation of AIIMS Jammu at Vijaypur, Samba.
AIIMS Jammu is coming up at a cost of Rs 1661 crore under PMDP. Around 2000 kanals of land have been transferred to the Health and Medical Education Department at Vijaypur for the AIIMS Jammu project.
Prime Minister also laid foundation of a Bridge over River Chenab at Sajwal (Pargwal-Indri Pattian), Jourian in Jammu. The 1640 m (39 spans) double-lane bridge would provide alternate connectivity between Sajwal and Indri Pattian areas reducing the travel distance from existing 50 KMs to 3 KMs. The bridge will be completed by March 2021.
Prime Minister laid foundation of Pollution Abatement Project on Rivers Devika and Tawi. The project is being implemented under National River Conservation Plan (NRCP) at an estimated cost of Rs 186.74 crore involving development and beautification of 25.29 sq kms of rivers Devika and Tawi in Udhampur district.
Prime Minister laid foundation of the Northern Regional Centre of Indian Institute of Mass Communication (IIMC) Campus Jammu coming up over 15.25 acres of land at Kerian in Jammu at an estimated cost of Rs 16.40 crore. He also inaugurated University Institute of Engineering & Technology Janglote, Kathua. He also launched entrepreneurship and career development hub at Jammu University.
Prime Minister also laid foundation of 624 MW Kiru Hydroelectric Project to be constructed over River Chenab in district Kishtwar by Chenab Valley Power Projects Private Ltd (CVPPPL). The project cost is Rs 4708.60 crore and it is to be completed in 54 months. J&K will get free power from the project as per the norms besides 1% additional free power will be provided towards Local Area Development Fund.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was also exchanged, on the occasion, between J&K Power Development Department (JKPDD) and NHPC Ltd for execution of 850 MW Ratle Hydroelectric Project on river Chenab in Drabshalla area of district Kishtwar.
Prime Minister also addressed a public gathering on the sidelines of the function.
On the last leg of his visit, Prime Minister laid foundation of various projects in Srinagar including AIIMS Kashmir coming up at Awantipora, Pulwama at a cost of Rs 1828 crore over 207 acres of land.
AIIMS Kashmir shall have 750 bedded state of the art super-specialty hospital with a Medical College and Nursing College.
The Prime Minister dedicated to the nation 400 KV Double Circuit Jalandhar-Samba-Rajouri-Shopian-Amargarh (Sopore) Transmission Line. The project has been completed at a cost of Rs 3000 crores and would bring additional 1000 MW of electricity to the Kashmir valley.
Prime Minister laid foundation of Model Degree Colleges at Singhpora in district Baramulla, Villgam in Kupwara and Padder in district Kishtwar.
He also inaugurated facilities for launch of first Rural BPO at Bandipora in north Kashmir and Multipurpose Indoor Sports Facility at Sehpora in district Ganderbal.
The BPO at Bandipora will train 600 educated youth every year for placement in BPOs and this will provide platform for establishment of more BPOs and attracting employment-oriented investment.
Prime Minister also laid foundation of Transit Accommodation for Kashmiri Migrant State Government employees and declared electrification of 100% households in J&K under SAUBHAGYA.
The Prime Minister immediately on his arrival in Srinagar, visited the interior parts of Dal Lake in a motorboat, to take stock of the condition of the water body.
He also interacted with Sarpanchs at SKICC Srinagar.
Governor Satya Pal Malik, Minister of State in PMO, Dr Jitendra Singh, Director General of Police, Dilbag Singh, and other senior civil, police and Army officers were present on the occasion.