In loving memory of Dr. Priya Ranjan: A mentor who treated me like family
  • LG said this landmark project will usher in a new era of connectivity and development for J&K and Ladakh
  • Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel is scripting a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. This engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel and provide substantial fuel savings: LG Sinha
  • Under the leadership of Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi and relentless efforts of Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari, the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces: Lieutenant Governor
  • LG also expressed his deepest appreciation and commendation to all the engineers, personnel and workforce who have worked day and night under extremely challenging weather conditions at such a high altitude

SRINAGAR: Lieutenant Governor Shri Manoj Sinha today joined the Hon’ble Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Shri Nitin Gadkari at the breakthrough ceremony of the historic Zojila Tunnel. The Lieutenant Governor expressed gratitude to the Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari for making this vision a reality and said that the landmark project will usher in a new era of connectivity and development for Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.

Asia’s longest bi-directional tunnel is scripting a new future of year-round connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh. This engineering marvel will significantly reduce travel time, ensure safer travel and provide substantial fuel savings. "Today is undoubtedly a historic day. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to the people of Union Territories of Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh.

Under the leadership of Hon’ble Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi Ji and the relentless efforts of Hon’ble Union Minister Shri Nitin Gadkari Ji, the Zojila Tunnel will emerge as a lifeline for the region, strengthening supply chains, boosting tourism and providing vital strategic support to our Armed Forces," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor along with the Hon'ble Union Minister inspected the tunnel and expressed his deepest appreciation and commendation to all the engineers, personnel and workforce who have worked day and night under extremely challenging weather conditions at such a high altitude. “Connectivity drives development and brings economic prosperity. Over the last 12 years, unprecedented work has been done in this sector across the country. There has been a significant improvement with regard to road, air and rail connectivity in these regions.

Given the scale of ongoing projects in Jammu Kashmir and Ladakh, I am confident that this will not only boost trade and tourism but will also significantly strengthen national security, especially in border areas. I hope this project will be completed at the earliest and dedicated to the people of Ladakh and Jammu Kashmir," the Lieutenant Governor said.

The Lieutenant Governor also stated that the completion of this infrastructural marvel will offer immense convenience to devotees of Baba Amarnath Ji coming to Jammu Kashmir from across the country. As the Chairman of Shri Amarnath Ji Shrine Board, I once again extend my gratitude and congratulations for this achievement,” he said.

The approximately 14-kilometre bi-directional tunnel is being developed at a cost of around Rs 6,800 crore. Situated at elevations ranging from 2,900 metres to 3,310 metres, the project represents one of the most challenging mountain infrastructure undertakings in the world and showcases India's remarkable engineering prowess.

The tunnel will be equipped with state-of-the-art safety and operational features, including an advanced ventilation system, automatic fire detection system, modern CCTV surveillance, and cross-passages for pedestrian safety. The project also incorporates eight cut-and-cover sections, four bridges, forty culverts, snow galleries, catch dams, avalanche protection structures, approach roads, and other modern safety measures.

Upon completion, the Zojila Tunnel Project will reduce travel time between Sonamarg and Minamarg from nearly two hours to approximately thirty minutes, resulting in substantial savings in both time and fuel.

Your voice can reach the world: At JK Monitor, we firmly believe that every well-researched idea has the power to inspire change beyond geographical boundaries. We are delighted to share an encouraging message from one of our esteemed contributors, Dr. Rakesh Verma (J&K Forest Services). “His article, ‘When Trees Become Rights-Bearing Citizens: A Lesson from Canada for India’s Ecological Future,’ published on JK Monitor, received appreciation from La Compagnie des Papillons Bleus, the French non-profit organisation that founded and promotes the Universal Declaration of Tree Rights.”.  Read the message here
A Profound Loss: JK Monitor Mourns the Passing of Founding Chairman Dr. Priya Ranjan

We at JK Monitor are profoundly saddened by the sudden demise of our Founding Chairman, Dr. Priya Ranjan.IN LOVING MEMORY Dr Priya Ranjan

A brilliant mind who studied at Netarhat Residential School and graduated in Electrical Engineering from IIT Kharagpur before earning his PhD from the University of Maryland, Dr. Ranjan chose to return to India and dedicate his life to teaching, research and social good.

His pioneering work in networked systems, AI, robotics and biomedical applications—especially computer-vision tools for early detection of cancer and heart disease—reflected his deep belief that advanced technology must serve humanity.

For more than 15 years at JK Monitor, he remained a loyal friend, mentor and collaborator, marked by rare humility, intellectual integrity and quiet generosity. His passing leaves a void that cannot be filled. Priya, you will be deeply missed. Your life continues to remind us that knowledge finds its highest purpose in the service of others.

— Team JK Monitor

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