The scenic beauty of Jammu and Kashmir is matched only by its rich cultural heritage and historical significance. Yet, for years, inadequate infrastructure has hindered the region’s progress. However, recent strides in road development initiatives signal a promising shift towards connectivity and development in the region.
The government’s proactive approach towards infrastructure development is evident in the completion of 1315 Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) schemes, resulting in the construction of 8787 kilometers of roads. Additionally, 206 schemes under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) have been successfully completed, further enhancing accessibility and connectivity in remote areas.
One of the notable ongoing projects is the Delhi-Amritsar-Katra expressway, covering a distance of 135 kilometers within Jammu and Kashmir. This expressway, once completed, will significantly reduce travel time between Delhi and Katra to just six hours, opening up new avenues for tourism and economic growth.
Furthermore, the construction of the Semi Ring Road in Jammu and the Semi Ring Road in Baramulla, along with the double-laning of the Akhnoor-Poonch road, are crucial infrastructural developments that will ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity within the region.
In addition to road infrastructure, significant progress has been made in the healthcare sector. The establishment of AIIMS at Vijaypur and Awantipora, along with the operationalization of seven new Government Medical Colleges, underscores the government’s commitment to providing accessible healthcare services to the people of Jammu and Kashmir.
Moreover, the addition of 28 BSc Nursing Colleges and 19 BSc Paramedic Colleges, including private institutions, reflects the holistic approach towards human resource development in the healthcare sector.
Under the Pradhan Mantri Development Programme (PMDP), 33 projects, jointly funded by the Government of India and the Government of Jammu and Kashmir, have been completed or are substantially completed. These projects, spanning various sectors, aim to uplift the socio-economic status of the people and foster inclusive growth across the Union Territory.
The focus on infrastructure development is not limited to roads alone. The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has sanctioned the construction and upgradation of 294 major road and bridge projects at an estimated cost of ₹24315 crores. With 163 projects already completed and an expenditure of ₹2706 crores incurred, these initiatives are instrumental in enhancing connectivity and promoting economic prosperity.
Key highlights of the ongoing projects include the construction of 21 tunnels, 39 flyovers, 26 bypasses, and 2 ring roads. These infrastructural marvels, currently under execution, are poised to revolutionize transportation in Jammu and Kashmir, facilitating smoother and faster movement of goods and people across the region.
In conclusion, the relentless efforts towards road infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir signify a transformative journey towards progress and prosperity. With enhanced connectivity and improved access to essential services, the region is poised to unlock its true potential and emerge as a beacon of growth in the heart of the Himalayas. As roads pave the way for development, Jammu and Kashmir embarks on a new era of growth and inclusivity, promising a brighter future for generations to come.
(Author is a Columnist)
