Jammu and Kashmir is to construct 646 rural roads covering 3,381 kilometres at an estimated cost of Rs 77,900 million (mn) under the first two batches of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana IV, which is expected to provide all?weather road connectivity to 792 habitations across the Union Territory. The programme is described as the largest rural road connectivity initiative undertaken in the region. The projects form part of efforts to strengthen links to markets, education, healthcare, tourism and employment. The details emerged during a high?level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo, who assessed progress of PMGSY phases one to three and reviewed the implementation strategy for PMGSY IV. Officials presented technical and financial schedules for the first two batches and outlined timelines for statutory clearances. The meeting emphasised coordination among departments to expedite execution. Batch one for 2025?26 comprises 316 roads with a total length of 1,781 kilometres at a sanctioned cost of Rs 42,240 mn. Of these, 235 works have commenced and expenditure of nearly Rs 2,700 mn has been incurred to date. The second batch for 2026?27 comprises 330 sanctioned roads, all of which have received technical approval and are at an advanced stage of tendering. The Chief Secretary noted that the programme would significantly improve access to remote habitations and directed the Public Works Roads and Buildings Department to ensure timely execution of projects. He asked the department to remove bottlenecks related to forest clearances, land acquisition, utility shifting and other statutory approvals through coordinated efforts with Divisional Commissioners, Deputy Commissioners and the Forest Department. Administrative measures were outlined to monitor compliance and address impediments swiftly. Dulloo further instructed Deputy Commissioners to closely monitor works in their respective districts and to ensure that pending projects under earlier phases are completed within stipulated deadlines while maintaining implementation pace under PMGSY IV. District authorities were advised to provide regular progress updates and to prioritise actions that would accelerate delivery of all?weather connectivity.