Jammu & Kashmir gets Rs 8,000 crore road projects under PMGSY-IV
New Delhi, April 28
The government has sanctioned road projects worth nearly Rs 8,000 crore for Jammu & Kashmir under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV, giving a major boost to rural connectivity, agriculture, and livelihoods in the region, the Ministry of Rural Development said on Tuesday.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers' Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan handed over the sanction letter for projects approved under PMGSY-IV (Batch-II) to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at a programme held at the SKICC in Srinagar.
Chouhan said the approval of road projects of this scale within a year was a significant achievement and underscored the government's commitment to the development of Jammu & Kashmir.
He noted that the Union Territory had been prioritised in both phases of PMGSY-IV approvals.
According to him, the objective was not merely to build roads but to connect remote villages, habitations and far-flung areas with essential services such as schools, hospitals and markets, thereby integrating them into the mainstream of development.
Emphasising the broader vision, the minister said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the government is committed not only to building roads but also to 'connecting hearts', adding that for the development of Jammu & Kashmir, "the doors of both the heart and Delhi are open".
In addition to the road projects, a 'mother sanction' of over Rs 4,568.23 crore was also released under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for 24 states and Union Territories to strengthen women-led self-help groups and promote rural livelihoods.
Highlighting women's empowerment, the minister said that the focus was not only on creating 'Lakhpati Didis' but also on transforming them into strong and sustainable entrepreneurs.
Chouhan also announced that a team of scientists from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research would be deputed to Jammu & Kashmir to study its climate, soil, water resources and agricultural potential, and prepare a comprehensive roadmap.
Meanwhile, Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the initiatives and described the approval of nearly Rs 8,000 crore in road projects as extraordinary. He said such large-scale approvals in a single phase were significant for a region with challenging geography and a scattered population.
He noted that earlier phases of PMGSY had already transformed connectivity in remote areas by linking them to schools, healthcare and markets, and said Phase-IV would help connect the remaining habitations.
— IANS
Reader Comments
Impressive funding for infrastructure, but I'm curious about maintenance. Many rural roads in India fall apart within a year due to poor quality. Let's hope proper tenders and oversight are in place. Also, the women's livelihood angle is good.
@Sarrah B, I agree. PMGSY has generally been a success in many parts, but J&K's terrain is unforgiving. The 'connecting hearts' line is a bit too much rhetoric, but if it results in real connectivity, I'm all for it. Also, ICAR's roadmap is a smart move. 🌄
Good to see bipartisan cooperation between Centre and state government. Omar Abdullah welcoming it shows that development can be above politics. ₹8,000 crore is a lot—hope the locals see the benefits soonish.
This is needed, but let's not forget how many projects in J&K get delayed due to weather and political issues. Also, why always focus on roads? What about internet connectivity in these remote areas? Kids need online classes too. 📚
The 'Lakhpati Didi' focus is great. J&K women are incredibly hardworking—if roads help them access mandis and banks, they can really transform livelihoods. The ICAR team studying local agri potential is a practical step. Let's hope implementation is swift. 🌱
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