Srinagar, Feb 17: The Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned a significant project aimed at upgrading 12 roads and constructing a bridge in Jammu and Kashmir, with an estimated cost of approximately Rs 152.38 crores.
Speaking to Rising Kashmir, a senior official from PMGSY Kashmir revealed that these approved roads span a total of 131 kilometers, completing the remaining stretch out of 1172 kilometers. The roads are set to be constructed in Handwara, Kupwara, Gandebal, Anantnag, Budgam, and Jammu, with an additional bridge slated for the Poonch area of Jammu.
This initiative will bring the total number of road projects to 233 and bridges to 66, covering an impressive distance of 1750 kilometers, with a cumulative cost of Rs 2245.46 crore under the PMGSY III Programme.
The approval is a part of the proposals submitted by Jammu and Kashmir under PMGSY-III for the 2023-24 batch. The PMGSY program, initiated in 2001-02, aims to connect rural habitations with a population of 250 or more.
Highlighting the progress made under PMGSY-I&II, the official noted that Jammu and Kashmir has achieved 98.50% of the sanctioned program, connecting 2118 habitations, with the remaining 23 targeted for completion by March 2024.
Furthermore, under PMGSY-III, 521.09 kilometers of roads have already been upgraded, involving an expenditure of Rs 11723.57 crores. The exceptional progress of Jammu and Kashmir in road construction, with 9000 kilometers of road length built since 2019, has secured the region the 3rd national rank in road construction for the years 2020-21 and 2021-22.
Expressing gratitude, Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Giriraj Singh, for approving these vital road infrastructure projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
“Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Shri Giriraj Singh Ji for approval of 12 road upgradation projects & construction of a bridge under PMGSY-III Batch-III at a cost of Rs. 152 Cr,” the post from the LG’s office stated.
The road upgradation projects are expected to benefit hundreds of habitations across six districts of the Jammu and Kashmir UT, while the construction of a two-lane bridge in the border district of Poonch will facilitate easier travel and contribute to overall socio-economic development, the post added.
