Centre Approves Rs 42.24 Bn for 316 Rural Road Projects in J&K

12 Jun 2025 CW Team

The Central Government has approved 316 rural road projects in Jammu and Kashmir under Batch-I of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV), with a total estimated cost of over Rs 42.24 billion. These projects aim to connect 390 eligible habitations, each with a population exceeding 250, through all-weather roads. The initiative is part of a nationwide rollout of PMGSY-IV, scheduled for implementation between the financial years 2024–25 and 2028–29, and was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024.

Jammu and Kashmir is the first among all States and Union Territories to receive sanction under this phase, with a total of 1,781 km of roads approved. This marks the largest-ever allocation under PMGSY for the Union Territory. The new road network is expected to significantly enhance rural connectivity and promote socio-economic development in remote and underserved regions.

The scheme prioritises connecting unlinked habitations and nearby government facilities such as schools, healthcare centres, markets, and development hubs, wherever feasible, to improve accessibility and infrastructure.

Nationally, the total outlay for PMGSY-IV is set at Rs 701.25 billion, of which Rs 490.87 billion will be funded by the Centre and Rs 210.37 billion by States. The funds are earmarked for the construction of 62,500 km of roads and the building and upgrading of bridges to connect 25,000 unconnected habitations across India.

News source: AIR

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