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After 75 Years: NABARD Road Finally Connects J-K's Cut-Off Border Villages

For the first time since Independence, road connectivity has reached remote border villages in Rajouri's Manjakote block. The NABARD-funded project is transforming lives by providing access to healthcare, education, and relatives that previously took a full day to reach. Local residents describe how medical emergencies during Operation Sindoor couldn't be addressed due to complete isolation. The 12-kilometer road project is scheduled for completion before winter sets in, bringing development to areas that have waited 75 years for basic connectivity.

Key Points: NABARD Road Connects Rajouri Border Villages First Time Since 1947

  • Road connectivity reaches border villages for first time since Independence
  • 12-km project costing ₹10.98 crore to be completed before winter
  • Previously took full day to reach relatives or transport patients
  • School buses now operating where impossible before
  • Local demands repair of existing dilapidated roads alongside new construction
2 min read

There was no connectivity...: Independent MLA hails NABARD road project in J-K's Rajouri

Independent MLA hails NABARD project bringing road connectivity to remote Rajouri villages after 75 years of isolation, transforming healthcare and education access.

"This area was entirely cut off; there was no connectivity... Many people were injured during Operation Sindoor, but the patients could not be shifted - Manjakote Muzaffar Iqbal Khan"

Rajouri, November 7

The road connectivity in the border area villages in Manjakote Block in Rajouri district of Jammu and Kashmir has been made available for the first time after Independence, under the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD).

Independent MLA and Former judge Manjakote Muzaffar Iqbal Khan stated that the area was completely disconnected from the rest of the district, causing problems to the locals.

"This project was made in 2011, and it was not approved.... This area was entirely cut off; there was no connectivity... Many people were injured during Operation Sindoor, but the patients could not be shifted because the ambulance was not able to reach here...This road is being developed under the NABARD..." he told ANI.

A local from Thanamandi shared, "The road has been extremely beneficial...Previously, it used to take a whole day to visit relatives, or any sick person...Sometimes, the news of someone's unfortunate demise used to take a whole day to reach us...Now we can go anywhere via this road...Schools, academies, hospitals...It is easier to reach anywhere."

Another local urged the government to focus on the repair work of old roads.

"There is significant development...New roads are being constructed to ease travel...But the old roads are still in poor condition...Those old roads should also be taken care of..." he said.

Meanwhile, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Scheme (PMGSY) has been providing a major relief to far-flung villages in Rajouri. Engineer Mohd Ashrif, of the PMGSY, explained that the project is 12 km long and is currently in its second phase. It should be completed before winters reach its peak and the temperature drops significantly.

"The total length of the road is 12 km with an estimated cost of Rs 10.98 crore," he told ANI.

"It will approximately take a month to be completed...We will complete it before the temperature drops...It will bring development to the area in terms of transportation facilities...I can now see school buses here, which was previously not possible," he added.

- ANI

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Reader Comments

P
Priya S
As someone who has visited remote areas in J&K, I can understand the struggle. No roads means no education, no healthcare, no economic opportunities. This development will transform lives. Hope they complete it before winter sets in properly.
S
Sarah B
The local's point about old roads needing repair is valid. We often build new infrastructure but neglect maintenance. Hope the government has a proper maintenance plan for these roads too.
A
Arjun K
School buses reaching these areas now! That's the real development. Education is the foundation for progress. Hope this connectivity brings more opportunities for the youth in border villages.
V
Vikram M
While I appreciate the development work, I'm concerned about the timeline. They say it will take a month, but winter in Rajouri can be harsh. Hope they don't compromise on quality to meet deadlines.
M
Michael C
The mention of Operation Sindoor and medical emergencies really puts things in perspective. Infrastructure isn't just about convenience - it's about saving lives. More such projects needed in all border areas.

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