Srinagar, July 10: In a significant push towards improving rural infrastructure, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved ₹4,224 crore for the construction of 316 roads across Jammu and Kashmir under Phase-IV of the PradhanMantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY). The projects, spanning 1,781 kilometers across 19 districts, aim to provide all-weather road connectivity to remote and previously inaccessible villages in the Union Territory.According to details available, Rajouri district emerges as the biggest beneficiary, with 41 roads approved at a cost of ₹588.12 crore. These new roads will enhance connectivity in areas such as Manjakot, Darhal, Kalakot, Dhangri, Nowshera, and Budhal. Poonch closely follows, with 40 roads sanctioned for ₹484.92 crore, covering key locations including Bufliaz, Lasana, Mankot, Surankot, Loran, Mendhar, and Poonch town.Doda district, though having fewer roads than Rajouri and Poonch, has received the highest individual allocation among all districts ₹661 crore for the construction of 31 roads. The approved works will benefit areas including Chirala, Bhaderwah, Changa, and Udaipur. Ramban district will see the construction of 26 roads with an outlay of ₹416.10 crore, while Reasi has been sanctioned ₹400.53 crore for 21 roads, with planned connectivity to Katra, Thakurkot, Anras, and Mahore.Udhampur district has been allotted ₹304.18 crore for the construction of 20 roads, which will cover various areas such as Udhampur town, Sevna, Chenani, Panchari, and Khoon. Other districts also stand to benefit under this centrally sponsored initiative. Kishtwar will get 20 roads at a cost of ₹250.32 crore, covering Bunjwah, Marwah, and Mughal Maidan. Kathua has been allotted ₹323.89 crore for 15 roads spread across Kathua town, Barnori, Duggan, and adjoining areas.In north Kashmir, Kupwara has received ₹89.68 crore for 14 roads in areas like Hayma, Machil, and Qadirabad, while Budgam has been sanctioned ₹88.45 crore for 14 roads, including those in Pukherpora and Khan Sahib. Baramulla will see the construction of 13 roads at a cost of ₹95.45 crore, covering Baramulla town, Bhijama, and Uri. Kulgam has 13 roads planned with an outlay of ₹63.29 crore in Frisal, Manzgam, and DamhalHanjipora, and Pulwama has been sanctioned ₹97.60 crore for 12 roads in Aripal, Tral, and Pampore.
In the northern most areas, Bandipora will get nine roads with ₹8.57 crore allocated, serving Bandipora town, Gurez, and Hajin. Ganderbal has eight roads planned at ₹37.90 crore, including those in Gund, Bracelet, and Lar. Anantnag district will see the lowest financial allocation ₹3.51 crore for the construction of seven roads in Bring and Pahalgam. Jammu district has six roads approved with an allocation of ₹84.31 crore, while Samba will get three roads at a cost of ₹67.81 crore, covering Nud, Purmandal, and Samba town.The Union Ministry had earlier sought detailed reports on roadless villages from the Jammu and Kashmir administration. Following these submissions, central officers from Delhi conducted ground-level inspections and verifications before the Ministry finalized and approved the list of roads to be constructed. The Public Works Department (PWD) of J&K, according to sources, has already begun the process of floating tenders after receiving the green signal from the Centre.Officials said the project is expected to significantly enhance rural connectivity and transform the socio-economic landscape of remote villages. By ensuring better access to essential services such as markets, healthcare, education, and government facilities, the initiative aims to bridge longstanding infrastructure gaps and improve quality of life for residents in some of the most underserved areas of the Union Territory.
