NVI Correspondent
Srinagar, Dec 29 (NVI): Chief Minister Omar Abdullah today advocated renaming the Navyug Tunnel, connecting Qazigund and Banihal on the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway, in honor of former Prime Minister Dr. Manmohan Singh.
Speaking to reporters on here, the Chief Minister highlighted Dr. Singh’s pivotal role in the development of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly the four-laning of the Srinagar-Jammu National Highway. “The late Prime Minister’s vision and efforts have reduced the travel time between Jammu and Srinagar to just five hours. His contributions deserve lasting recognition,” Omar said.
He said that the development of the highway and its tunnels began during Dr. Singh’s tenure, crediting him for initiating transformative infrastructure projects. “While others may claim credit for the new tunnels, we must acknowledge that it was Dr. Manmohan Singh who laid the foundation for this progress,” he added.
Omar Abdullah described Dr. Singh as a true statesman whose contributions to Jammu and Kashmir include the initiation of cross-LoC trade, scholarships for J&K students, steps toward rehabilitating Kashmiri Pandits, and the Round Table Conference on Kashmir.
“He worked quietly but tirelessly for the betterment of J&K. Renaming the Navyug Tunnel as Dr. Manmohan Singh Tunnel would be a fitting tribute to his legacy,” the Chief Minister said. (News Vibes of India)
