Srinagar: In nearly six years since the historic revocation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a sea change in infrastructure, connectivity and public services. The region, once geographically and administratively isolated, is now actively rejoining the mainstream of national development. There have been unprecedented improvements in roads, railways, tunnels, bridges, airports, hospitals and digital connectivity. This is not only boosting economic activity but also transforming the daily lives of citizens.

Connectivity Revolution: Roads, Tunnels and Bridges
At the heart of this transformation is the tremendous progress made in surface and tunnel infrastructure. New highways, upgraded roads and all-weather tunnels are now connecting remote areas of the region to urban centres, reducing travel time, improving access to essential services and enhancing logistics for trade and tourism.

These key projects include the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), which will connect the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the country by rail for the first time and bring it into the mainstream. Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated the final phase of the USBRL project on June 6, 2025.

With this inauguration, the 272-km long rail line became fully operational, connecting the Kashmir Valley to the rest of the Indian rail network. During the inauguration, he dedicated Vande Bharat Express trains and engineering marvels like the Chenab Bridge and the Anji Khad Bridge to the nation. This railway corridor will reduce dependence on road travel and provide reliable connectivity throughout the year, boosting both trade and tourism.

Another important project is the Zoji La Tunnel, which is expected to be completed by 2026. Once operational, this tunnel will provide all-weather connectivity between Srinagar and Leh crossing one of the most dangerous parts of the Himalayas. Also, the Z-Morh tunnel connecting Gagangir and Sonamarg and the Banihal-Qazigund road tunnel, which reduces travel time between Jammu and Srinagar, have started facilitating movement across the region.

The Z-Morh tunnel was inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in January 2025. The soft opening of the tunnel was done in February 2024. This tunnel ensures year-round access to tourist destinations like Sonamarg.

Similarly, the Banihal-Qazigund road tunnel route has also been completed and is operational. It was inaugurated by Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari in August 2021. The tunnel significantly reduces travel distance and time between Banihal and Qazigund, improving connectivity between Jammu and Kashmir.

These tunnels are not just engineering feats. They also symbolize a strategic shift towards greater regional integration, security and mobility.

Airports, hospitals and visual changes
The changes are also visually impressive. Before and after photographs of key infrastructure such as airports, hospitals and highways depict a modern, clean and service-oriented Kashmir that could not have been imagined a few years ago.

The Srinagar and Jammu airports have undergone extensive renovation. This includes expanded terminals, night landing facilities and improved security measures. The addition of new regional and national flights has enhanced air connectivity. This has benefited both local residents and tourists.

Hospitals have also improved significantly. New medical facilities, better equipment and more staff have helped improve access and quality of healthcare. Telemedicine initiatives and ambulance networks have been expanded to provide services in remote areas. Especially during the winter months when roads are inaccessible.

The highways, which were earlier prone to landslides and neglect, are now being upgraded to four-lane roads with safety infrastructure, LED lighting and digital surveillance systems.

Tourism boom and economic impact
The most immediate and direct impact of improved infrastructure has been the revival of tourism. With better roads, safer travel and better facilities, tourists are returning in record numbers to destinations like Gulmarg, Pahalgam, Sonamarg and Leh. New areas like Doodhpathri, Bangus Valley and Gurez have emerged as new attractions, bringing livelihood opportunities to previously untouched communities.

In 2023-24, Jammu and Kashmir received over 2 crore tourists. This is a historic achievement. This has created employment opportunities in the hospitality, transport and local handicraft industries. Improved digital and road connectivity has given local entrepreneurs an opportunity to connect and expand to national and global markets.

Even after the terrorist attack in Pahalgam on April 22, 2025, tourists are starting to come again to the Kashmir Valley. Although this tragic incident had affected tourism for some time, now the situation is getting back to normal. The local administration and security agencies have taken special steps to ensure the safety of tourists. Kashmir has always been a favorite destination for tourists due to its peaceful and picturesque environment.

Even now, tourists from various regions are coming to enjoy the beauty of Kashmir. This positive change has helped revive Kashmir’s tourism industry, thereby improving the local economy to some extent.

Digital Inclusion: Internet Access and Public Services
Along with physical infrastructure, the digital revolution is transforming Jammu and Kashmir. Under the Bharat Net project, by March 2025, the Union Territory has commissioned 9,789 fibre-to-the-home (FTTH) connections. This has significantly improved internet access in both urban and rural areas.

This has led to a boom in online education, e-governance, telemedicine and digital banking, especially in remote areas that were previously digitally deprived. Smart classes are now being run in schools. District offices operate through online service portals and youth in villages can access competitive exam material and online skill training without leaving their homes.

Mainstreaming of digital dashboards, biometric authentication and grievance redressal portals has improved public service delivery. People can now apply for certificates, benefits and schemes without facing bureaucratic hurdles.

Access to markets, schools and amenities
Improved connectivity has enabled better access to markets, schools, hospitals and public amenities.

Ensuring a more equitable distribution of resources, farmers in districts like Pulwama and Kathua are now able to sell their produce more efficiently. Farmers in districts like Kupwara and Doda are also able to sell their produce more efficiently. Students from villages are able to easily access colleges and competitive examination centres.

New public toilets, drinking water facilities, rural health centres and bus stops have been set up under the Aspirational Districts and Smart Villages initiative. These small changes have had a profound impact on daily dignity and convenience.

Conclusion: The future rests on the foundation of connectivity
The infrastructure changes in Jammu and Kashmir after Article 370 are not just limited to concrete and steel – it is about reconnecting the region with its aspirations. Roads not only connect villages to cities, but also empower people to progress. Tunnels not only cross mountains, they also break down barriers of exclusion and marginalization. And the internet doesn’t just bring speed – it offers hope, access and equality.

While political debates continue, concrete progress in transport, healthcare, education, tourism and digital access shows that decisive change has begun. The real story emerging from Jammu and Kashmir is not one of conflict, but of construction – of lives, communities and futures.