As J&K proposes Rs 4400 cr worth road projects, Centre asks it to revise  proposals in line with new guidelines

Srinagar: The Union Government has directed the Jammu & Kashmir administration to reassess its latest proposals under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) to ensure alignment with the parameters of phase IVth of the road connectivity programme.

A record note of the PMGSY’s empowered committee reveals that Union Government has instructed Union Territory administration/ National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) to thoroughly review the current batch of proposals, along with the remaining ones, in line with the PMGSY IV norms approved by the cabinet.

The empowered committee made it clear to UT administration that in –principle approval to the proposal would be subject to strict adherence to PMGSY-IV norms.

“It was further conveyed that in-principle approval for the current batch would be strict adherence to these norms,” reads record of the empowered committee meeting held in New Delhi on April 25 under chairmanship of secretary, Rural Development Department.

The meeting was attended by representatives of Union Government and J&K Government.

As per details, J&K government has proposed 346 road proposals with a financial outlay of Rs 4402. 20 crore for the financial year 2025-26

During the EC meeting, the Centre directed that all habitations proposed in the current batch have to be verified to ensure that they are strictly meeting the norms of PMGSY-IV.

“NRIDA has to ensure this after field verification and through other means,” reads the minutes of the meeting.

The UT was asked to ensure uniformity in selection of roads and only the most important roads, which are at the top of priority list to be taken up first.

“Before sanctioning of roads, the UT will enter into MoU with the ministry for providing adequate post Defects Liability Period (DLP) maintenance funds,” the record note states. —(KNO)