‘Enhanced connectivity, record tourism, major railway, highway projects, livelihood schemes have accelerated development, expanded economic opportunities across UT’
Sajid Raina
New Delhi, : The Union government on Wednesday said Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed a nearly 95 per cent decline in terror incidents since the abrogation of Article 370, alongside significant gains in infrastructure, tourism, connectivity and socio-economic development over the past seven years.
In a statement marking the seventh anniversary of the August 5, 2019 constitutional changes, the government said terror-related incidents had fallen from 228 in 2018 to 12 in 2025, describing the improvement in the security situation as one of the key outcomes of the decision.
The government, as per the statement accessed by the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), said the restoration of peace had enabled normal life to flourish, claiming that the Valley had witnessed no organised shutdowns from 2023 to April 2026, allowing educational institutions, businesses and public services to function without prolonged disruptions.
Highlighting economic and development indicators, the statement said development projects worth around Rs 80,000 crore are being implemented across Jammu and Kashmir, while more than 9.8 lakh people have become self-reliant through various livelihood and employment initiatives.
It said the Union Territory recorded more than 2.3 crore tourist arrivals in 2024, the highest ever, attributing the surge to improved connectivity, enhanced infrastructure and a better security environment.
The government also listed several flagship infrastructure projects completed or underway, including the Chenab Rail Bridge, described as the world’s highest railway arch bridge, the Anji Khad Bridge, India’s first cable-stayed railway bridge, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link (USBRL), the Jammu railway division, the Sonamarg Tunnel and the under-construction Zojila Tunnel.
It said the introduction of Vande Bharat trains and full railway electrification had provided faster, all-weather rail connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the country.
The statement said AIIMS Jammu had strengthened access to advanced healthcare and medical education in the region.
On the legislative front, the government said nearly 890 central laws now apply to Jammu and Kashmir, bringing the Union Territory under the same constitutional framework as the rest of the country.
The government highlighted what it described as growing global recognition for Jammu and Kashmir’s cultural heritage, saying Srinagar had earned the titles of UNESCO Creative City and World Craft City, while 18 traditional Kashmiri crafts had received Geographical Indication (GI) tags.
It said Kashmiri handicrafts, including Pashmina and Papier-Mâché, were gaining international recognition and creating new opportunities for artisans.
Referring to cultural and sporting activities, the government said religious festivals, including Muharram and Janmashtami, were being observed peacefully, while the Valley had also hosted its first Formula 4 motorsport event, reflecting increasing normalcy and expanding opportunities.
The Centre said the developments over the past seven years reflected its commitment to strengthening connectivity, expanding economic opportunities and improving the quality of life for the people of Jammu and Kashmir—(KNO)
