PMGSY strengthens rural connectivity across Jammu and Kashmir

The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is enhancing rural connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir, with 3,500 projects completed since 2001, including 217 bridges.

Over the last two decades, the centrally sponsored Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has completed about 3,500 projects in Jammu and Kashmir, including 217 bridges, according to officials. The information was provided at a meeting convened by Amit Shukla, Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development, to undertake a complete analysis of the PMGSY’s implementation throughout the Union territory. According to officials, the evaluation aimed to speed up project completion, ensure quality requirements were met, and improve rural connectivity throughout the region.

The PMGSY started operating in Jammu and Kashmir in 2001-02 with the goal of providing all-weather connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas with a population of more than 250, according to the 2001 Census. Since the commencement of the PMGSY, J&K got approval for 3,742 projects, including 305 bridges, totalling 20,801 km of road. Aside from that, 2,140 habitations with populations of 250 or more as per the 2001 census have been approved for connectivity, according to officials. They reported that 3,429 projects, including 217 bridges, have been built as part of the sanctioned programme, and that 2,129 of the 2,140 targeted habitations have been connected thus far, resulting in an expenditure of ₹ 12,650 crore.

According to the officials, the meeting was informed that the implementation of the PMGSY in J&K has received focused attention over the last five years, resulting in significant strides in improving rural connectivity, particularly in remote and hilly regions, in line with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.

Shukla highlights the importance of a daily monitoring strategy for meeting project deadlines and efficiently addressing difficulties. He gave particular directions to enforce strict quality standards in road development, emphasising the necessity of providing long-lasting and safe infrastructure for the people of Jammu and Kashmir. He directed that all PMGSY projects be completed by the ministry’s sunset date.

The joint secretary undertook an on-the-ground review of major road and bridge infrastructure projects funded by the PMGSY in the Jammu region. The Union joint secretary, along with senior government officials, visited Kalas Kullian to Chak Harni Road and examined the continuing construction of a bridge over the Jagti Bamyal road.

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