Udhampur, Dec 09: Union Minister of State (Independent Charge) Science & Technology; MoS PMO, Personnel, Public Grievances, Pensions, Atomic Energy and Space, Dr Jitendra Singh on Saturday said that the PMGSY under the “visionary” leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi has revolutionised the road connectivity in Udhampur district. He said Udhampur has now achieved a milestone in the country of being among the top three districts of the country in terms of road connectivity.
Laying the foundation of various important road projects in Udhampur being constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Dr Jitendra said the areas like Dudu Basantgarh, Lati Dhuna and various other far-flung areas are some of the neglected blocks and areas which have been connecting with all-weather roads. He informed that a highway is being constructed between Sudh Mahadev in Udhampur district and Khilani in Doda district.
The minister lauded the vision of PM Modi citing the examples like Shyama Prasad Mukherji Tunnel, Asia’s largest one or the example to achieve the target of Viksit Bharat in 2047.
Applauding the work in the road transport sector, Dr Singh said connectivity is the backbone of the overall development of the nation. He said roads in Udhampur and its adjoining districts have brought the sector on the tourism map at the national level. “The scope of religious pilgrimage in view of the Sudh Mahadev Temple remained unexplored during the last 70 years and the present government by increasing the road network has successfully explored all such avenues,” he said.
Dr Jitendra said that with these schemes, the economy of the area, especially the Udhampur district, has witnessed a boom. He appreciated the district administration and the officer implementing PMGSY, saying they all are doing social service and playing their role to achieve the target of a developing country. “The road connectivity is helpful in effective implementation of schemes for education, health, social welfare and women empowerment sector,” he added.
During the programme, the e-foundation was laid for the upgradation of the road from T-01 Padraka to Chattari in block Kulwantha in district Udhampur with an approximate cost of Rs 693.80 lakhs having a length of 4.6000 km serving thousands of residents. Another e-foundation was laid for the upcoming gradation of the road from T-16 Chopra Shop to Sunari Kambal Danga in block Udhampur of the district with an approximate cost of Rs 1751.23 lakhs having a length of 12.925 km. The minister also laid an e-foundation for the upgradation of the road from T-02 Tikri to Charyee via Sukha Talab in block Tikri, district Udhampur with an approximate cost of Rs 1269.25 lakhs having a length of 9.650 km.
