Road infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir’s Rajouri district received a major push with the inauguration and foundation stone laying of projects worth Rs 4.93 billion by Member of Parliament Mian Altaf Ahmad. The projects were launched from the PWD Dak Bungalow in Rajouri and through online inaugurations across multiple constituencies.

According to official data, seven road projects with a total sanctioned cost of Rs 1.02 billion were inaugurated. Of these, five projects worth Rs 700.75 million were inaugurated in the Thanamandi constituency, while two projects costing Rs 310.69 milion were inaugurated in the Rajouri constituency.

In addition, foundation stones were laid online for 22 road projects with a combined sanctioned cost of Rs 3.91 billion. The Budhal constituency received seven projects worth Rs 1.36 billion, Thanamandi was allotted 11 projects costing Rs 2.13 billion, and Rajouri constituency received four projects with a sanctioned cost of Rs 410.55 million.

All the projects are being implemented under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and are aimed at strengthening road connectivity in remote and rural areas of the district. Officials said the projects are expected to improve access to essential services and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the Pir Panjal region.

A large number of local residents participated in the event and welcomed the initiative, thanking the MP and the government for prioritising long-pending connectivity needs.

MLA Ifthqar Ahmed said, “We are very happy that our MP, M Altaf sir, completed the restoration work and the foundation stone of the roads of PMGSY was also laid… These seven roads in my constituency will benefit residents. The road connectivity that has not existed for 70 years will benefit them.”

DDC member Sain Abdul Rashid highlighted the MP’s role in driving development projects and stressed the importance of regular reviews to ensure timely completion. “At our level, we always tried to work at the ground level… I will request that Mian Saab continue the six-month review meetings to ensure these works are completed,” she said.

Officials said the projects mark a significant step towards improving rural infrastructure and long-term connectivity in Rajouri district.

News source: Swarajya