The Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved a significant project for the upgradation of 12 roads and the construction of a bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, estimating a cost of approximately Rs 1.52 billion. According to a senior official from PMGSY Kashmir, who spoke to Rising Kashmir, the approved roads, totalling 131 kilometers, will cover the remaining stretch out of 1172 kilometres. These roads are scheduled to be constructed in Handwara, Kupwara, Gandebal, Anantnag, Budgam, and Jammu. Additionally, a bridge is planned for the Poonch area of Jammu.
It was revealed by the official that this initiative will increase the total number of road projects to 233 and bridges to 66, spanning an impressive distance of 1750 kilometers. The cumulative cost for these projects under the PMGSY III Programme is estimated to be Rs 22.45 billion. The approval is part of the proposals submitted by Jammu and Kashmir under PMGSY-III for the 2023-24 batch. The PMGSY program, initiated in 2001-02, aims to connect rural habitations with a population of 250 or more.
Emphasizing the progress made under PMGSY-I&II, the official noted that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 98.50% of the sanctioned program, connecting 2118 habitations. The remaining 23 habitations are targeted for completion by March 2024. Furthermore, under PMGSY-III, 521.09 kilometres of roads have already been upgraded, involving an expenditure of Rs 11.72 billion. The remarkable progress in road construction has secured Jammu and Kashmir the 3rd national rank in road construction for the years 2020-21 and 2021-22, with 9000 kilometres of road length built since 2019.
Expressing gratitude, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh, for approving these vital road infrastructure projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir. A post from the LG's office stated, "Grateful to PM Narendra Modi & Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Shri Giriraj Singh Ji for approval of 12 road upgradation projects & construction of a bridge under PMGSY-III Batch-III at a cost of Rs 1.52 bn."
The road upgradation projects are expected to benefit hundreds of habitations across six districts of the Jammu and Kashmir UT. The construction of a two-lane bridge in the border district of Poonch is anticipated to facilitate easier travel and contribute to overall socio-economic development, as mentioned in the post.
