Srinagar, July 10 In a major push to improve rural infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned a whopping Rs 4,224 crore for the construction of 316 roads under Phase 4 of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The project will cover 19 districts across the Union Territory, spanning a total road length of 1,781 kilometers.
According to reliable sources, Rajouri district has received the highest allocation under the project, with Rs 588.12 crore sanctioned for the construction of 41 roads. These include roads in strategically important and remote areas such as Manjakot, Darhal, Kalakot, Dhangri, Nowshera, and Budhal.
Poonch follows closely with 40 roads sanctioned at a cost of Rs 484.92 crore, covering diverse locations like Bufliaz, Lasana, Mankot, Surankot, Loran, Mendhar, and Poonch town. Meanwhile, Doda district has been allotted Rs 661 crore for 31 road projects that will benefit areas such as Chirala, Bhaderwah, Changa, and Udaipur.
Ramban district has received approval for 26 roads with a funding of Rs 416.10 crore, covering localities including Banihal, Rajgarh, Ramsu, Ukhral, and the main town of Ramban. In Reasi district, 21 roads will be constructed at a cost of Rs 400.53 crore, benefitting regions such as Katra, Thakurkot, Anras, and Mahore.
In Udhampur, the construction of 20 roads has been sanctioned with an outlay of Rs 304.18 crore. These include roads in Udhampur town, Sevna, Chenani, Panchari, and Khoon. Other districts receiving significant allocations include Kishtwar (20 roads, Rs 250.32 crore), Kathua (15 roads, Rs 323.89 crore), and Kupwara (14 roads, Rs 89.68 crore).
Budgam will see the development of 14 roads at Rs 88.45 crore, while Baramulla district has been allotted Rs 95.45 crore for 13 road projects in areas like Bhijama, Uri, and Baramulla town. In south Kashmir, 13 roads in Kulgam will be built with Rs 63.29 crore, and 12 roads in Pulwama will receive Rs 97.60 crore. Bandipora is set to benefit from 9 roads with Rs 8.57 crore allocated, and Ganderbal will have 8 roads constructed with Rs 37.90 crore.
Anantnag district has been allotted Rs 3.51 crore for 7 roads, including those in Bring and Pahalgam, while Jammu district will get 6 new roads built at a cost of Rs 84.31 crore in places like Nagrota and Bhalwal Brahmana. Samba district has the smallest share with 3 roads approved, receiving Rs 67.81 crore for projects in Nud, Purmandal, and Samba town.
Pertinently, the Union Rural Development Ministry had earlier requested a comprehensive report from the Jammu and Kashmir government identifying roadless villages. After thorough examination and multiple field assessments conducted by central officials dispatched from Delhi, the Ministry finalized the project and conveyed the approval to senior UT-level officials.
Following the clearance from the Centre, the Public Works Department (PWD) of Jammu and Kashmir has initiated the tendering process for implementation. Officials said the project will significantly enhance rural connectivity, opening access to healthcare, markets, education, and other essential services for people living in remote and underserved regions.
The PMGSY-4 initiative is seen as a vital step in integrating isolated villages with the mainstream economy and governance systems, reducing regional imbalances, and promoting inclusive development across Jammu and Kashmir. [KNT]
