Centre allocates Rs 4,224 crore for 316 rural roads under PMGSY in J&K

By; Peerzada Ummer

Srinagar: The Union Rural Development Ministry has sanctioned Rs 4,224 crore for the construction of 316 roads across 19 districts in Jammu and Kashmir under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase 4 (PMGSY-4), with a total project length of 1,781 kilometers.

Sources told the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), that the highest number of roads stand sanctioned in Rajouri district. It will see the construction of 41 roads with an allocation of Rs 588 crore 12 lakh. Rajouri’s road projects include multiple locations such as Manjakot, Darhal, Kalakot, Dhangri, Nowshera, and Budhal among others.

Poonch follows closely with 40 roads sanctioned, funded at Rs 484 crore 92 lakh. These include roads in Bufliaz, Lasana, Mankot, Surankot, Loran, Mendhar, and Poonch town itself. Doda district has 31 roads planned with a budget of Rs 661 crore, covering areas like Chirala, Bhaderwah, Changa, and Udaipur.

For Ramban 26 roads have been approved with Rs 416 crore 10 lakh allocated, including projects in Ramban, Banihal, Rajgarh, Ramsu, and Ukhral. Reasi will see 21 roads constructed with Rs 400 crore 53 lakh sanctioned, covering localities such as Katra, Thakurkot, Anras, and Mahore.

Udhampur’s allocation stands at Rs 304 crore 18 lakh for 20 roads, including projects in Udhampur town, Sevna, Chenani, Panchari, and Khoon.

Further allocations and road counts for other districts are as follows:

Kishtwar: 20 roads, Rs 250 crore 32 lakh (including Bunjwah, Marwah, Mughal Maidan)

Kathua: 15 roads, Rs 323 crore 89 lakh (covering Kathua, Barnori, Duggan, and others)

Kupwara: 14 roads, Rs 89 crore 68 lakh (including Hayma, Machil, Qadirabad)

Budgam: 14 roads, Rs 88 crore 45 lakh (Pukherpora, Khan Sahib)

Baramulla: 13 roads, Rs 95 crore 45 lakh (Baramulla, Bhijama, Uri)

Kulgam: 13 roads, Rs 63 crore 29 lakh (Frisal, Manzgam, Damhal Hanjipora)

Pulwama: 12 roads, Rs 97 crore 60 lakh (Aripal, Tral, Pampore)

Bandipora: 9 roads, Rs 8 crore 57 lakh (Bandipora, Gurez, Hajin)

Ganderbal: 8 roads, Rs 37 crore 90 lakh (Gund, Bracelet, Lar)

Anantnag: 7 roads, Rs 3 crore 51 lakh (Bring, Pahalgam)

Jammu: 6 roads, Rs 84 crore 31 lakh (Nagrota, Bhalbal Brahmana)

Samba: 3 roads, Rs 67 crore 81 lakh (Nud, Purmandal, Samba)

Pertinently, the Union Ministry of Rural Development had initially sought detailed reports on roadless villages from the Jammu and Kashmir government. Following scrutiny by central officers dispatched from Delhi, the Ministry sanctioned the project and shared the final list with senior state officials.

The Public Works Department (PWD) of Jammu and Kashmir, as per sources, has already begun the tender allocation process after receiving approval from the Central Government.

The project aims to improve rural infrastructure and connectivity significantly, facilitating better access to markets, healthcare, and educational institutions for residents of remote villages. —(KNO)