How Has J&K Transformed Post Constitutional Shift?

New Delhi, Aug 5 (NationPress) Six years post the abrogation of Article 370 and Article 35A, Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a remarkable transformation—not only in its constitutional framework but also in its developmental journey. The pivotal decision made on August 5, 2019, marked a turning point in India’s political landscape, eliminating decades of special status and initiating a new phase of integration, reform, and revitalization for the region.

What ensued was not just an administrative overhaul but a dedicated initiative to reimagine Jammu and Kashmir as a vibrant contributor to India’s economic narrative. A significant highlight of this change has been the enhancement of physical connectivity.

All-weather roads now navigate the challenging mountainous terrain, effectively linking remote valleys with urban areas. Railway connections have reached Srinagar, and the Chenab Bridge—the world’s tallest single-arch railway bridge—stands as a testament to the region’s connection to the national infrastructure. These infrastructural advancements are not merely technical achievements; they serve as vital conduits for commerce, mobility, and inclusivity. The economic indicators are beginning to reflect this upward momentum.

For the fiscal year 2025–26, the budget allocation for the Union Territory totals Rs 41,000 crore, with Rs 9,325 crore earmarked for policing and security.

The Economic Survey Report for 2024–25 anticipates an 11.19 percent increase in nominal Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP), projecting it to reach Rs 2.65 lakh crore. The real GSDP is set to reach Rs 1.45 lakh crore, with a compound annual growth rate of 4.89 percent over the last decade.

Per capita income is also witnessing growth, estimated to rise by 10.6 percent to Rs 1,54,703—indicative of improving living standards. Sectoral contributions to the GDP demonstrate a well-balanced economic framework; the primary sector accounts for 20 percent, the secondary 18.3 percent, while the tertiary sector leads with 61.7 percent.

Investment interest has surged, with over 8,500 applications proposing Rs 1.69 lakh crore in capital, generating job prospects for more than six lakh individuals.

Land allocations under the Industrial Policy 2016–26 and the Industrial Land Allotment Policy 2021–30 have facilitated industrial growth, with 213 non-locals and 1,751 locals receiving plots for economic activities. Entrepreneurship has become a cornerstone of this transformation.

The “Jammu Kashmir Konnect programme,” initiated in January 2025, formalized a collaboration between the Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade and the Jammu and Kashmir Entrepreneurship Development Institute.

The Startup Policy has already registered 988 ventures and conducted 601 awareness programs across 20 districts, backed by incubators at IIT-Jammu, IIM-Jammu, and NIT-Srinagar. A Rs 250 crore venture capital fund has further spurred innovation in agri-tech, handicrafts, and digital services, as per a report published in

The Geostrata magazine. Agriculture and horticulture have received renewed attention. The area dedicated to key horticulture crops has expanded by 10,000 hectares, with production increasing by 4.13 lakh metric tonnes. The Holistic Agriculture Development Plan envisions fruit cultivation across 50,000 hectares by 2047, aiming to enhance rural incomes and diversify the agrarian economy.

Lavender farming under the Aroma Mission and the integration of mandis into the electronic National Agricultural Market (e-NAM) have brought transparency and profitability to farmers. Tourism, historically a cornerstone of Kashmir’s economy, has seen a remarkable resurgence.

In 2024, tourism contributed 7 percent to the Union Territory’s GSDP, translating to Rs 18,550 crore in nominal terms and Rs 10,150 crore in real terms. The government has allocated Rs 390 crore for tourism capital expenditure in 2026, with non-tax revenue from this sector projected to double from Rs 50 crore in 2025 to Rs 100 crore in 2026.

The administration’s tourism policy, launched in 2020, aims to create 50,000 jobs annually and attract Rs 2,000 crore in investments each year.

In 2024, a record 2.36 crore tourists visited Jammu and Kashmir. Air connectivity has seen significant improvement, with Indian Airlines operating 4,300 flights to Srinagar between April and June 2025—a 12 percent increase over 2024 and a 21 percent increase over 2023. Srinagar’s designation as a UNESCO “World Craft City” and the successful hosting of the G20 Tourism Working Group Meeting have elevated the region’s international profile.

Gulmarg continues to be a major attraction, with its Gondola ride attracting over 7.68 lakh visitors in 2024, generating Rs 103 crore in revenue. The ski resort has hosted four editions of the Khelo India Winter Games, cementing its status as a premier destination for adventure tourism.

The Indira Gandhi Memorial Tulip Garden also set records, welcoming over 6.71 lakh visitors in just 20 days following its opening in March 2025.

Srinagar’s first international marathon in October 2024 added another highlight, with 2,005 participants and Rs 39.26 lakh in registration fees. Infrastructure development has been at the core of this transformation.

The Valley is experiencing a highway renaissance, with 47 projects covering 810 km and an investment of Rs 41,735 crore reshaping its landscape. The introduction of wayside amenities, including EV charging stations and rest areas, indicates a forward-thinking approach to mobility.

Railway expansion, including the electrification of the Baramulla–Sangaldan line and the inauguration of the Banihal–Sangaldan stretch, has further enhanced connectivity.

Education and healthcare continue to thrive. The IIM Jammu campus, three IITs, and numerous Navodaya and Kendriya Vidyalayas reflect a commitment to fostering talent. AIIMS Jammu, operational since August 2024, along with the upcoming AIIMS Awantipora, promises world-class medical services within the Valley.

Under Ayushman Bharat–PMJAY SEHAT, over 21 lakh golden cards have been issued, providing free health insurance coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family annually. Collectively, these advancements signify a region in evolution—not just politically, but economically and socially.

The abrogation of Article 370 sparked a transition from isolation to integration, and from stagnation to growth. Jammu and Kashmir is no longer solely defined by its past; it is carving a future anchored in opportunity, inclusivity, and resilience.

From the serene waters of Dal Lake to the heights of the Chenab Bridge, the region now stands ready—not just for development, but for dignity and enduring peace.