Srinagar, April 28,2026- In a major push to rural infrastructure in Jammu & Kashmir, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday handed over the approval for ₹3,566 crore worth of road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV, Batch-II), underlining the Centre’s commitment to bridging connectivity gaps in remote regions.
The approval was formally presented to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah at the Sher-i-Kashmir International Conference Centre, where senior leaders and officials gathered to mark the occasion.
Speaking at the event, Chouhan framed the initiative as part of a broader national effort to ensure no habitation remains cut off from development. He stressed that rural roads are not merely infrastructure assets but lifelines that connect people to education, healthcare, and economic opportunities.
The Union Minister highlighted that nearly ₹8,000 crore worth of road projects have been approved for Jammu & Kashmir within a year, reflecting what he described as a sustained and focused development push by the Centre. “Connectivity transforms lives. When roads reach villages, growth follows,” he said, emphasising the government’s intent to accelerate inclusive development.
Expanding beyond infrastructure, Chouhan also announced a ₹4,568 crore sanction under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana – National Rural Livelihoods Mission, aimed at strengthening women self-help groups and promoting livelihood opportunities across states and Union Territories. He noted that women-led development and rural entrepreneurship are central to the government’s strategy.
On the agriculture front, he said the Centre will support Jammu & Kashmir through scientific farming practices, improved planting material, and crop diversification, with experts from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research set to prepare a region-specific roadmap to enhance productivity.
While the Jammu & Kashmir government assured smooth execution, the Centre’s emphasis—articulated by Chouhan—remained firmly on time-bound implementation and measurable outcomes, ensuring that investments translate into real improvements on the ground.
Officials said the projects are expected to significantly improve rural connectivity, boost local economies, and enhance access to essential services, reinforcing the broader goal of integrating remote areas into the mainstream of development.
