Zojila Tunnel Portals Should Honour 1947-48 Hero and Kashmir Monarch: Raut
Sena (UBT) leader writes to PM Modi, says tribute would honour military sacrifice and Kashmir’s historic legacy
Mumbai, Jun 10: Shiv Sena (UBT) Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Raut has urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to name the two portals of the under construction Zojila Tunnel after Brigadier Mohammed Usman and Samrat Lalitaditya Muktapida, saying the move would celebrate both national service and Kashmir’s rich historical heritage.
In a letter to the Prime Minister, Raut suggested that the Sonamarg side entrance be dedicated to Brigadier Mohammed Usman, while the Drass-side portal be named after Lalitaditya Muktapida, the renowned ruler of Kashmir’s Karkota dynasty.
The proposal comes a day after the strategically important tunnel achieved a major engineering milestone with the breakthrough of its main passage. The project, being built at an altitude of over 11,500 feet, will provide year-round road connectivity between the Kashmir Valley and Ladakh and is expected to be completed by 2028.
Describing the tunnel as one of independent India’s most significant infrastructure initiatives, Raut said it would strengthen defence preparedness, improve transportation, boost tourism and support economic growth in the region.
According to the Sena (UBT) leader, dedicating the portals to two distinguished figures from different eras would reflect the country’s diverse legacy and reinforce the message of national unity.
Raut highlighted Brigadier Mohammed Usman’s role during the 1947-48 conflict, noting that the decorated officer led the defence of key areas in Jammu and Kashmir and made the supreme sacrifice while serving the nation. Awarded the Maha Vir Chakra posthumously, Usman is remembered as one of India’s most celebrated military commanders.
He also underscored the contributions of Lalitaditya Muktapida, whose reign saw Kashmir emerge as a major political, military and cultural centre. The ruler is credited with expanding his kingdom’s influence across vast territories and commissioning architectural landmarks, including the famed Martand Sun Temple.
Raut said recognising both personalities through the tunnel project would serve as a lasting reminder of courage, leadership and the enduring heritage of the region.
