Srinagar, July 10, 2025 – In a significant boost to rural infrastructure, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned ₹4,224 crore for the construction of 316 rural roads spanning 1,781 kilometers across 19 districts in Jammu and Kashmir. This allocation, under Batch-I of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), aims to enhance connectivity to 390 eligible habitations with populations over 250, marking the largest-ever package for rural road development in the Union Territory (UT).
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for prioritizing rural development in Jammu and Kashmir. The initiative is expected to improve access to markets, healthcare, and educational institutions, fostering economic growth and prosperity in remote areas.
Project OverviewThe PMGSY-IV package, approved by the Union Cabinet for implementation from FY 2024-25 to 2028-29, has a total national outlay of ₹70,125 crore, with the central share at ₹49,087.50 crore and the state share at ₹21,037.50 crore. Jammu and Kashmir is the first UT to receive approval for projects under this phase, with the central government funding ₹3,801.80 crore and the J&K government contributing ₹422.43 crore.
The 316 road projects will primarily benefit the Jammu division, which has historically faced connectivity challenges compared to the Kashmir division. The Public Works Department (PWD) of Jammu and Kashmir has already initiated the tender allocation process to expedite implementation.
District-Wise AllocationThe funding and road projects are distributed across 19 districts, with significant allocations to Poonch, Doda, Ramban, and Reasi. Below is a detailed breakdown of select districts and their sanctioned projects:
| District | Number of Roads | Allocated Funds (₹ Crore) | Key Areas Covered |
|---|---|---|---|
| Poonch | 40 | 484.92 | Bufliaz, Lasana, Mankot, Surankot, Loran, Mendhar, Poonch town |
| Doda | 31 | 661.00 | Chirala, Bhaderwah, Changa, Udaipur |
| Ramban | 26 | 416.10 | Ramban, Banihal, Rajgarh, Ramsu, Ukhral |
| Reasi | 21 | 400.53 | Katra, Thakurkot, Anras, Mahore |
| Samba | 3 | 67.81 | Nud, Purmandal, Samba |
| Kulgam | 13 | 63.29 | Frisal, Manzgam, Damhal Hanjipora |
| Pulwama | 12 | 97.60 | Aripal, Tral, Pampore |
| Bandipora | 9 | 8.57 | Bandipora, Gurez, Hajin |
| Ganderbal | 8 | 37.90 | Gund, Bracelet, Lar |
| Anantnag | 7 | 3.51 | Bring, Pahalgam |
| Jammu | 6 | 84.31 | Nagrota, Bhalbal Brahmana |
Impact and ObjectivesThe PMGSY-IV initiative aims to provide all-weather connectivity, addressing the long-standing issue of roadless villages in Jammu and Kashmir. The Union Ministry of Rural Development had previously sought detailed reports from the J&K government to identify such areas, ensuring targeted development. The project is expected to transform rural infrastructure by:
- Enhancing connectivity to remote habitations.
- Facilitating access to essential services like healthcare and education.
- Boosting economic opportunities by connecting rural areas to markets.
- Supporting strategic and geographical challenges in the region.
Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha highlighted that the 1,781 km of new roads will usher in a “new era of prosperity” for far-flung areas, complementing earlier efforts under PMGSY-III, which sanctioned 229 roads and 66 bridges worth ₹2,330 crore.
Implementation and Timeline
The J&K Public Works Department has begun the tendering process, signaling swift action to commence construction. The projects, part of a five-year plan (2024-25 to 2028-29), are expected to significantly enhance the developmental landscape of the UT, building on a decade-long effort to improve rural connectivity.
Official StatementsLieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha
“Grateful to Hon’ble PM Shri Narendra Modi Ji & Hon’ble Union Minister of Rural Development Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan Ji for sanctioning 316 road projects at an estimated cost of Rs.4224 Cr under Batch-I of PMGSY-IV for providing connectivity to 390 no. of eligible habitations.”The Ministry of Rural Development also emphasized the initiative’s role in rural empowerment, stating, “Rural roads = Rural empowerment. Let’s build faster, better, greener!”
Conclusion
The ₹4,224 crore allocation for 316 rural road projects under PMGSY-IV represents a landmark investment in Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure. By connecting 390 remote habitations across 1,781 kilometers, the initiative promises to drive economic growth, improve access to services, and enhance the quality of life in rural areas. As the first UT to receive approval under this phase, Jammu and Kashmir is poised to set a benchmark for rural connectivity and development in India.
