Srinagar: Six years after the abrogation of Article 370 on August 5, 2019, Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a remarkable transformation, with major strides in infrastructure, connectivity, tourism, and investment projects reshaping the region’s developmental landscape.
Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Home Minister Amit Shah, Defence Minister Rajnath Singh, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha Jammu and Kashmir saw decline in terrorism and development saw well progress.
Officials say this period marks a decisive shift towards integrating J&K with the country’s broader growth trajectory.
One of the most notable achievements post-2019 has been the improvement in connectivity. The Katra-Srinagar Vande Bharat Express, inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi on June 6, 2025, has drastically reduced travel time between the Jammu region and the Valley, benefitting both traders and tourists.
At the same time, the Srinagar International Airport has expanded its operations with more direct flights connecting Kashmir to major Indian cities, making travel easier for both residents and visitors. This has been a major push for the tourism and business sectors.
Several strategic projects, including the Z-Morh and Zojila tunnels, are in advanced stages of completion, promising year-round connectivity to Ladakh. In north Kashmir, the long-pending Sadhna Tunnel project in Kupwara has been approved, which will bring border towns like Karnah closer to the rest of the Valley.
Jammu and Kashmir’s successful hosting of the G20 working group meeting in Srinagar in May 2023 gave the region international exposure. Delegates praised the Valley’s potential for global tourism and investment, highlighting the administration’s efforts in improving security and infrastructure.
Tourism has emerged as a major beneficiary of these reforms. The Amarnath Yatra has seen record-breaking participation over the past few years, while the Tulip Garden in Srinagar has drawn lakhs of visitors, making it one of Asia’s top attractions. Winter sports events in Gulmarg have also gained popularity, attracting domestic and international tourists.
New hotels, homestays, and adventure tourism projects have sprung up across the Union Territory, creating employment opportunities for youth. Hoteliers say the improved infrastructure and marketing of J&K as an all-season destination have helped them recover from years of instability.
The J&K Global Investors Summit has paved the way for significant investments in IT, renewable energy, healthcare, and agro-industries. Officials say these projects will not only create jobs but also modernize key sectors in the Union Territory.
To address unemployment, the administration has launched several skill development programs and startup support schemes. Training centers across districts are equipping young men and women with skills for jobs in sectors like IT, hospitality, and handicrafts.
Post-2019, the government has prioritized modern farming techniques and GIO tagging of Kashmiri products like saffron and apples, enhancing their market value. Cold storage facilities and better transport infrastructure have helped farmers reduce post-harvest losses.
In healthcare, district hospitals have been upgraded with better diagnostic facilities. The new AIIMS campuses in Vijaypur (Jammu) and Awantipora (Kashmir) are in advanced phases of development, which will greatly enhance medical education and healthcare delivery.
The higher education sector has seen the establishment of new degree colleges and skill-based courses. Government initiatives aim to make J&K a hub for education in the region, offering more opportunities for local students.
The industrial policy of J&K has attracted manufacturers in pharmaceuticals, food processing, and textiles. Several industrial estates are being developed to provide space for new businesses, promising more job opportunities.
Digital services have expanded in recent years, enabling citizens to access government facilities online. Officials say the e-governance model has reduced red tape and improved transparency.
The government has also promoted cultural festivals, handicraft exhibitions, and music events, giving local artisans and performers a platform to showcase Kashmiri heritage.
“We are seeing changes that were unimaginable before 2019. The roads are better, and tourists are coming in large numbers, which has helped us in business,” said Abdul Rashid, a hotel owner in Gulmarg.
A young entrepreneur from Pulwama, Shazia Bhat, said, “Schemes for startups have helped me establish my handicraft e-commerce business. This was not possible before.”
The administration says improved security has created an environment conducive for development. Reduced terrorist activity and effective law enforcement have encouraged investors and tourists alike.
While progress is visible, locals still demand faster execution of projects in remote areas. “We need better schools and healthcare in border areas. Development must reach every corner,” said Bashir Ahmad, a resident of Karnah.
Officials maintain that these initiatives reflect the vision of making J&K a model of peace, prosperity, and progress. “The last six years have been about transforming Jammu and Kashmir into a hub of growth and opportunity,” an official said.
As Jammu and Kashmir completes six years since the abrogation of Article 370, the region appears to be on a new path one that balances infrastructure growth, cultural revival, and socio-economic upliftment, bringing hope to its people for a brighter future.
Since Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha took charge of Jammu and Kashmir in August 2020, the Union Territory has witnessed a remarkable shift toward peace and stability. His administration adopted a multi-pronged approach, focusing on strengthening grassroots democracy, improving security measures, and boosting developmental activities, which collectively helped in curbing unrest.
One of the most notable changes during his tenure has been the near-complete end of organized stone-pelting incidents that once dominated the streets of Kashmir. This transformation was made possible through a combination of strict law enforcement, community outreach programs, and providing youth with better educational, sporting, and employment opportunities, steering them away from disruptive activities.
Under the “path of peace” envisioned by Sinha, the administration has actively worked to create an environment where dialogue, development, and dignity replace violence and fear. This shift not only restored public confidence in governance but also laid a strong foundation for sustainable peace in the region.
In recent years, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed the virtual end of separatist politics and street violence, marking a historic shift in the region’s trajectory. The once-powerful ecosystem of separatist leaders, who thrived on hartal calls and inciting public unrest, has collapsed. This change is the result of firm administrative actions, dismantling of terror funding networks, and a comprehensive crackdown on organizations that propagated anti-national sentiments under the guise of politics.
The end of organized stone-pelting, once a hallmark of Pakistan-sponsored street protests, has been one of the most significant indicators of this shift. These protests were carefully orchestrated to disrupt daily life, undermine governance, and project instability. However, through strict law enforcement, socio-economic outreach, and opportunities for the youth, the administration has effectively closed the space for such activities, bringing normalcy back to the streets.
For decades, the region’s development remained stunted because separatist-driven unrest and Pakistan-sponsored terrorism created an environment of fear and uncertainty. Frequent shutdowns, violent protests, and terrorist threats kept investors, tourists, and development agencies away, leaving basic infrastructure projects either delayed or abandoned. As a result, Jammu and Kashmir lagged behind other states in key areas like education, health care, and employment generation.
With the elimination of these destabilizing elements, the administration has been able to redirect its focus toward development and governance. Peace has paved the way for projects like the Vande Bharat Express, expansion of road and tunnel networks, and the successful hosting of global events like the G20 meeting in Srinagar initiatives that were unimaginable during the peak of unrest.
This transition from conflict to construction underscores a new era for Jammu and Kashmir. The dismantling of separatism and curbing of Pakistan-sponsored violence has not only restored order but also created a fertile ground for sustained growth, giving the people of the region an opportunity to reclaim their aspirations for progress and prosperity. (JKNS)