SRINAGAR: In a significant development, the Union Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) has granted its approval for a series of road projects in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
These projects, totaling 59 in number, are collectively valued at Rs 452.57 crore and are part of the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojna (PMGSY).
As per media reports, the proposal for PMGSY-III, batch-Ist of 2023-24, encompassing the construction and upgrade of these 59 roads, was submitted by the Government of Jammu and Kashmir to the Union Government during the final quarter of the previous fiscal year. The proposal underwent evaluation by the Empowered Committee of the Union Government on June 8, 2023. Subsequently, the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) granted its approval, with the communication being relayed to the UT Government.
The current phase of the project will see the construction of a total road length spanning 400.05 kilometers across 14 districts in the Union Territory. The estimated cost of this ambitious endeavor is Rs 452.57 crore. Notably, the Union Ministry of Rural Development is set to contribute Rs 393.42 crore, while the J&K UT’s share will amount to Rs 59.14 crore.
Grateful to Hon'ble PM Shri @narendramodi Ji and Hon'ble Minister of Rural Development Shri @girirajsinghbjp Ji for approval of 400 KMs of road upgradation work under PMGSY-III Batch- II at a cost of Rs 425 Cr. It will benefit hundreds of habitations in 14 districts of J&K UT.
— Office of LG J&K (@OfficeOfLGJandK) August 10, 2023
In response to the development, Lt Governor Manoj Sinha expressed his gratitude on Twitter, acknowledging the approval of 400 kilometers of road upgradation work under PMGSY-III. He credited PM Narendra Modi and Minister of Rural Development Giriraj Singh for their role in making this possible, highlighting the positive impact on multiple habitations in 14 districts of J&K UT.
The 59 roads selected for upgrade or construction will incorporate cutting-edge technology utilising waste plastics. The carriageway width will be expanded from the existing 3 meters to 3.75 meters. This transformation will be documented through geo-tagged photographs and videography to ensure adherence to the specifications.
Breaking down the project, 41 roads in Kashmir and 18 roads in Jammu Division will undergo upgrades. Notably, certain districts including Doda, Kishtwar, Poonch, Srinagar, Ganderbal, and Kulgam are not included in the list.
