THE Kashmir Valley, long depicted and also perceived through the blood-splattered lens of turmoil, is experiencing an unprecedented transformation.
A region once used as a pawn in geopolitical battles is now a symbol of India’s commitment to development, integration and prosperity. The scale of progress in Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in the Kashmir Valley, is nothing short of historic. Roads, railways, education, healthcare, tourism and business industry are undergoing rapid modernisation, reshaping the region into a hub of opportunity.
Yet, this transformation has unsettled the very forces that thrived on a narrative of conflict. The establishment across the border, witnessing the grand scale of development, finds itself threatened. With no viable counter to the on-ground reality, the only tool left at its disposal is to manufacture fiction, weaving baseless narratives to counter India’s success story in Kashmir. But facts speak louder than propaganda.
- A developmental surge:
The development projects in Kashmir are not just numbers on a ledger; they are real, tangible changes, improving people’s lives. From multi-lane highways to world-class railways, from bustling industrial zones to educational institutions that nurture a new generation, Kashmir is rewriting its destiny.
A strong infrastructure is the foundation of any thriving economy and Kashmir is witnessing a revolution in this sector. The Jammu–Udhampur– Baramulla railway line, expected to be operational in 2025, will be a game changer, linking Kashmir seamlessly with the rest of India. The Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), with its engineering marvels such as the Chenab Bridge, the world’s highest railway bridge standing at 359 meters, higher than the Eiffel Tower, stands as a testament to India’s commitment to Kashmir’s connectivity.
Kashmir is on its way up, up and up, with its infrastructural development, tourism, investments and a rewritten international repute. While its people finally break out of the trap of false narratives and fear, a certain country next door is far from pleased. It’s clear that it’s lost its case and cannot use its tools of oppression any more to stub this new energy.
Highway expansion projects, including the four-laning of the Jammu-Srinagar highway and the construction of expressways, are dramatically reducing travel time and enhancing trade and tourism. The Zojila Tunnel, the longest bi-directional tunnel in Asia, which will ensure year-round connectivity between Kashmir and Ladakh, is another engineering feat that will integrate the region further. The Banihal-Qazigund Tunnel, a 12-km-long engineering marvel, ensures all-weather connectivity between the two regions. Electrification & High-Speed Connectivity is enabling Kashmir to be seamlessly integrated into India’s railway network.
For decades, Kashmir suffered from isolation and now it is being woven into the very fabric of India’s growth story.
For the first time in history, Kashmir is witnessing an unprecedented investment boom. Over Rs 1.25 lakh crore worth of investment has poured into the Union Territory, spanning sectors such as IT, healthcare, tourism and agriculture. The new industrial policy (2021-30) has opened the floodgates for business expansion, with international players showing keen interest in Kashmir’s potential.
The rise of food processing units and manufacturing hubs is creating thousands of jobs, ensuring that the youth no longer have to leave their homeland in search of opportunities. The government’s focus on skill development is further equipping the local workforce with the expertise needed to thrive in emerging industries.
Srinagar and Jammu are witnessing the rise of IT parks, fostering startups, business ventures and digital economy initiatives. Kashmir’s apple industry (90% of India’s apple production) is receiving cold storage facilities, increasing shelf life and market reach. Areas like Pulwama and Samba are seeing industrial expansion, with new manufacturing and agro-based industries setting up units. Kashmiri Saffron, awarded a GI Tag, is receiving global recognition, with its production being digitised through the ‘Saffron Park’ in Pampore. Introduction of high-density apple plants has led to a 40% increase in yield over the past three years. Kashmir is emerging as the lavender capital of India, boosting employment among farmers in the Kathua region.
The Srinagar Ring Road Project, a Rs 2,000 crore initiative, will de-congest traffic and improve intra-city travel. Over 3,500 km of roads have been constructed in J&K under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the past three years, connecting remote villages of Kashmir from Qazigund to Keran Kupwara. Kashmir is no longer seen as just a picturesque valley, it is an emerging economic powerhouse.
- Tourism renaissance: Tourism, the lifeblood of Kashmir’s economy, is experiencing a golden age. In 2023 alone, Kashmir welcomed over two crore tourists, the highest in decades. The Srinagar Smart City project is enhancing urban landscapes, making the city more visitor-friendly with better roads, modern transportation and eco-friendly initiatives.
Places like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Dodhpathri and Sonamarg are seeing record tourist footfalls, with new luxury hotels, homestays and adventure sports facilities adding to their charm. The government’s push for winter tourism, including night skiing and international standard infrastructure in Gulmarg, is ensuring that Kashmir remains a year-round attraction. Restoration of the Shankaracharya Temple, Martand Sun Temple and Sufi Shrines attracting devotees in large numbers is another boost to our religious tourism. The government has launched a film policy, bringing Bollywood and international filmmakers back to Kashmir, reviving the Valley’s cinematic glory. For a region once synonymous with curfews, the present reality of bustling markets and thriving tourism is a powerful shift.
- Education and healthcare:
A region’s prosperity is ultimately measured by the quality of life of its people. In Kashmir, education and healthcare have become top priorities. The establishment of new medical colleges, AIIMS Jammu, AIIMS Kashmir and the IIT and IIM campuses in J&K are transforming the academic landscape.
Students no longer need to migrate for quality education; world-class institutions are being built at their doorstep. Similarly, healthcare infrastructure is receiving a massive boost, with new district hospitals, specialised centres and AI-powered diagnostic services ensuring that even those in remote areas have access to top-notch medical care.
Schools across Kashmir are adopting smart classrooms, reducing learning gaps. As per government estimates, more than 200 new health centres have been established in rural areas. The shifting of the NIT campus from Srinagar to Pulwama is a testament that research and development will see a new dawn in the 4500 acre massive varsity taking shape in a couple of years.
- A brave new world:
The biggest shift, however, has been in the psyche of the people of Kashmir. The youth, who were once caught in the trap of violence and uncertainty, now have tangible opportunities. Startups are booming, digital literacy is rising and women entrepreneurs are leading the way in sectors such as handicrafts, fashion and agriculture.
With a growing exposure to global markets, Kashmiri artisans, farmers and entrepreneurs are carving a niche for themselves. GI-tagged products like Kashmiri saffron, Pashmina and walnut wood carving are now receiving global recognition and export promotion. Kashmir is no longer being defined by its past, it is defining its future.
There is a massive decline in terrorism and its related incidents. The law and order has been streamlined. The terror-related incidents here have been the lowest in the last two decades due to strong counter-terrorism measures. The record high participation in Lok Sabha and Assembly elections shows the belief of people in democratic processes. Preparations are being made for the upcoming Panchayat and Municipal elections to empower local governance in the Jammu and Kashmir.
The implementation of Good Governance Index in J&K has streamlined the administration. Digital governance measures like e-tendering, online grievance and appointment system and overall online public services are eliminating middlemen and loopholes.
Amidst this transformation, one thing remains constant: the unease across the border. A country which, for decades, relied on the narrative of oppression in Kashmir, now finds itself without a case. With Kashmir witnessing mega development, record tourism, rising investments and international acclaim, the old playbook of propaganda seems obsolete.
With no answer to this progress, the only option left for the establishment there is to fabricate stories. But no amount of misinformation can change the truth that Kashmir is on an unstoppable path of prosperity.
For too long, Kashmir’s story was dictated by those who sought to keep it trapped in a cycle of instability. Today, the people of Kashmir are writing their own story that’s, one of growth, peace and boundless opportunity. The massive development wave in Kashmir is not just a government initiative; it is a collective movement towards a brighter future. From connectivity to commerce, from education to employment, every sector is witnessing transformation. And no amount of baseless narratives can stop Kashmir’s rise.
