Tarun Chugh
Jammu & Kashmir has embarked on an unprecedented journey toward integration, development, peace, and prosperity under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi since the historic abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019. It is due to his farsightedness, determination, and unwavering commitment to national progress that Jammu and Kashmir have witnessed such rapid transformation, setting the region firmly on the path of Viksit Jammu Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 marked the full integration of the region into the Indian Union, ending decades of constitutional ambiguity and opening a new chapter of development, peace, and national unity. Under Prime Minister Modi’s stewardship, Jammu and Kashmir have seen unprecedented progress, transforming the economic landscape, social fabric, infrastructure, governance, and security environment. The past six years have witnessed the region emerging from the shadows of conflict into a vibrant and hopeful future.
One of the most visible signs of this remarkable development in J&K is the enhancement of infrastructure. Recognizing the importance of connectivity as a foundation for growth, Prime Minister Modi’s government undertook monumental projects to revolutionize transport and accessibility. The Chenab Railway Bridge, the world’s tallest railway bridge, stands as a symbol of engineering excellence and the government’s commitment to integrate Kashmir seamlessly with the rest of India. Alongside this, the Delhi-Katra Greenfield Expressway, a ?40,000 crore project, has transformed road travel, making journeys faster, safer, and more efficient for residents, tourists, and pilgrims. The completion of the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla railway link in 2025 further solidified rail connectivity and knitted the region more tightly into the national fabric. The launch of India’s second Vande Bharat Express on the Delhi-Katra route enhanced travel comfort and speed. Additionally, the construction of the Zojila Tunnel, costing ?6,809 crore, is a pivotal development ensuring all-weather road access between Srinagar and Ladakh, effectively overcoming the region’s perennial winter isolation. Urban areas like Jammu and Srinagar are also being transformed through Smart Cities initiatives, including riverfront redevelopment and the introduction of metrolite projects expected to be operational by 2026. Collectively, these infrastructure advancements have not only facilitated mobility but also opened new economic opportunities, significantly boosting trade, tourism, and investment in the region.
Economic revival in Jammu and Kashmir has been robust and systematic since 2019, a direct result of Prime Minister Modi’s leadership and the implementation of progressive policies. The government rolled out targeted policies aimed at attracting investment and fostering entrepreneurship. Since abrogation, J&K has received investment proposals amounting to over ?80,000 crore, signalling renewed investor confidence in the region’s potential. The Jammu and Kashmir Industrial Policy 2021-30, Tourism Policy 2020, and Start-up Policy 2024-27 exemplify frameworks meticulously designed to stimulate diverse sectors of the economy. Tourism, long hampered by unrest, has witnessed a remarkable resurgence. In 2023, the region attracted 2.11 crore tourists, increasing further to 2.35 crore in 2024, including a significant rise in international visitors. Srinagar’s hosting of the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting in May 2023 highlighted not only its growing global stature but also its readiness to be a world-class destination. This tourism momentum is complemented by a flourishing hospitality sector, with over 2,500 registered homestays fostering rural participation and entrepreneurship. High-profile events such as the first Formula 4 racing event and the international Kashmir Marathon showcase the region’s evolving identity from a conflict zone to a vibrant destination for sports and adventure tourism. The government’s Sustainable Promotion and Revamping of Emerging Alternate Destinations (SPREAD) initiative aims to develop new tourism sites across the region, ensuring that the economic benefits of tourism reach every corner while preserving its unique cultural and natural heritage.
Agricultural progress has also been a flagship area of development. Thanks to initiatives like the Aroma Mission, lavender farming has gained immense popularity, providing farmers with new and lucrative income streams beyond traditional crops. More than ?3,000 crore has been disbursed directly to 12.68 lakh farmers under the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi Yojana, supporting those who form the backbone of J&K’s economy. Additionally, the integration of agricultural mandis into the electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) has brought transparency to the marketing system, enabling farmers to access competitive pricing and wider markets. These steps have appreciably improved farmers’ incomes and bolstered economic security. The government’s efforts to preserve and promote cultural heritage are equally noteworthy, with Geographic Indication (GI) tags awarded to products like Kashmiri saffron, Basohli paintings, and Rajouri Chikri woodcraft. These recognitions have boosted exports and ensured that traditional artisans and craftspeople continue to thrive in the modern economy.
Social equity has always been a cornerstone of Prime Minister Modi’s vision for a just and inclusive Jammu and Kashmir. The abrogation of Article 370 dismantled long-standing barriers that had obstructed the extension of reservations and social justice in the region. The government implemented reservations for Other Backward Classes (OBCs), including Gurjars, Bakarwals, and Pahadis, who had historically been sidelined. The Jammu and Kashmir Reorganisation (Second Amendment) Act, 2023 further institutionalized inclusivity by reserving one-third of the legislative assembly seats for women, affirming the government’s commitment to gender equality. Women have also finally gained full proprietary rights, and critical laws such as the Prevention of Domestic Violence Act and the Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act are now enforceable, providing much-needed protection and security. Furthermore, West Pakistan refugees, after decades of neglect, were granted full citizenship rights-a historic milestone towards social justice and human dignity.
The healthcare sector in Jammu and Kashmir has seen transformative improvements. Over 21 lakh families now enjoy health insurance coverage up to ?5 lakh annually under Ayushman Bharat-PMJAY SEHAT, offering a comprehensive safety net. This improvement is largely the result of targeted investments and policy reforms championed by the central government led by Prime Minister Modi. World-class medical institutions such as AIIMS Awantipora and Vijaypur and the establishment of several new government medical colleges have significantly expanded access to tertiary healthcare. The government’s initiatives extend beyond hospitals to include affordable medicines through Jan Aushadhi Kendras and expanded maternal and child health programmes, which have helped raise health indicators in previously underserved areas.
Similarly, the education sector has witnessed revolutionary change. The establishment of premier institutions like the first Indian Institute of Technology (IIT) and Indian Institute of Management (IIM) in Jammu has opened new avenues of learning and opportunity for the region’s youth, fostering talent and innovation. The rollout of the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 has brought multilingual instructional methods, digital classrooms, and skill-based training to schools and colleges, aligning education with the demands of a modern economy. Scholarships and expanded hostels for tribal and backward classes have enhanced educational equity, while the successful completion of uninterrupted academic calendars after decades of disruption speaks to the stability that Prime Minister Modi’s initiatives have fostered.
Security and law enforcement, critical to the region’s stability and growth, have drastically improved during these six years. Since abrogation, terrorism has witnessed a sharp decline complemented by the disappearance of stone-pelting and organized strikes since 2022. Enhanced intelligence gathering, coordinated operations by agencies and better community engagement have restored public confidence and safety. This newfound stability has allowed ordinary citizens and youth especially to engage fully in the region’s social and economic activities, ushering a hopeful era of peace. The transformation of relationships between security forces and the people, marked by growing mutual trust, is emblematic of a successful, community-focused approach to peacebuilding.
Administrative modernization has paralleled these developments, with digital governance leading to improved transparency, efficiency, and citizen-centric service delivery. The centralized digital administration system has resulted in speedy decision-making and reduced bureaucratic delays.The deepening of democratic practices is evident in the strong voter turnouts and the empowerment of local bodies following successful District Development Council (DDC) elections, making governance more responsive and community-driven.
Alongside all these transformations, the region is also experiencing a profound cultural and social integration. Kashmiri youth proudly represent the region in national sports, civil services, and cultural forums, symbolizing renewed aspirations and belonging.
Since the abrogation of Article 370 in 2019, Jammu and Kashmir’s internal security environment has seen a fundamental transformation. Stone-pelting incidents, separatist-sponsored shutdowns, and local terror recruitment have dropped sharply. The coordinated work of the Indian Army, CRPF, Jammu and Kashmir Police, and intelligence agencies has ensured a robust counter-terror grid across the region. Importantly, civil-military relations have improved-citizens are re-engaging in daily economic and civic life without the fear that once dominated public spaces. From school attendance to market hours, normalcy has returned in a way not seen in decades.
A defining moment came in May 2025, when India launched Operation Sindoor in direct retaliation to the Pahalgam terror attack of April 22, which killed 26 civilians. In a precise 22-minute military operation, India targeted nine terror infrastructure sites in Pakistan and Pakistan-occupied Jammu Kashmir-linked to Lashkar-e-Taiba without striking civilian locations. Conducted by the Indian Air Force using indigenous missile platforms and electronic warfare systems, the operation demonstrated India’s new security doctrine: precise, proportionate, and unflinching. Operation Sindoor not only neutralized terror launchpads but also delivered a clear message-India will no longer absorb terror passively. It redefined deterrence on India’s terms.
Beyond combat operations, the security transformation includes deep investment in intelligence, border technology, and community engagement. Surveillance drones, modern fencing along the LoC, and AI-based monitoring systems have drastically reduced infiltration attempts. Crackdowns on hawala and narco-terror funding networks have choked the logistical backbone of militancy. Rehabilitation efforts for surrendered militants, de-radicalisation initiatives, and youth engagement through sports and civil services have helped reweave the region’s social fabric. Security in Jammu and Kashmir is now driven not just by force, but by integration, opportunity, and a firm national resolve to never return to the days of fear and fragility.
The past six years under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visionary leadership have been transformative for Jammu and Kashmir. From the once conflict-ridden and isolated region emerges a model of peace, development, and integration. Robust infrastructure, thriving economic opportunities, social justice, advanced healthcare and education, enhanced security, and inclusive governance have together created a framework for sustainable growth and harmony. This comprehensive progress is a testament to the efficacy of resolute leadership, inclusive policies, and the indomitable spirit of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, a promising beacon of hope for the future.
(The author is the National General Secretary of Bharatiya Janata Party)
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