Jammu and Kashmir is unlikely to receive approval for new road projects under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) in the immediate future, as outstanding liabilities have reached about Rs. 12.1 bn against annual fund accruals of only Rs. 1.5 bn. The position was outlined by the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways in a communication concerning project approvals under the scheme. The Ministry said the Union Territory’s existing financial commitments were substantially higher than the funds becoming available each year, making it difficult to create additional commitments. It said project approvals depend on the priority list submitted by the government, liabilities from previously sanctioned works, the status of completed and finalised projects, unspent balances from earlier years and annual fund availability. The communication noted that the outstanding liabilities for Jammu and Kashmir’s state roads were about Rs. 12.1 bn, while annual CRIF accruals stood at approximately Rs. 1.5 bn. The substantial gap between pending commitments and available funds has made approval of additional projects under the scheme extremely difficult, the Ministry said. The Ministry has not ruled out fresh approvals altogether. New road projects could be considered after significant progress is made on already committed works and the liabilities associated with sanctioned projects are reduced correspondingly. The latest position places priority on completing existing projects and clearing pending dues before new proposals can be taken up. The CRIF provides financial assistance for developing and improving road infrastructure, with projects selected according to fund availability and the priorities of the concerned governments. For Jammu and Kashmir, the financial constraints mean that implementation of previously sanctioned projects and settlement of outstanding commitments will remain the immediate focus. The ability to secure approvals for additional road works will depend on progress in these areas and on the availability of funds in future years.