Srinagar, June 9 -- Srinagar- Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Monday said the breakthrough achieved in the strategically important tunnel project linking Kashmir and Ladakh would bring transformative changes to the lives of people in the region, particularly in education, healthcare, tourism, trade and connectivity.

Speaking after the final breakthrough of the tunnel, Omar said the true significance of the project could best be understood by those who would directly benefit from it.

"You will realize the impact this will have on people's lives when you hear it from the people here. Whether it is students being able to access education more easily, patients reaching hospitals more conveniently, or in terms of the development of tourism, ...