Srinagar, August 22, 2025: The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) has disbursed over ₹1,000 crore to Jammu and Kashmir under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) since 2020 to bolster road infrastructure development in the Union Territory. The funds, aimed at enhancing connectivity and supporting economic growth, have been allocated for the development and maintenance of state roads and bridges, as detailed in a recent parliamentary disclosure by Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.In response to a query raised by Congress leader Priyanka Gandhi Vadra in the Lok Sabha, Gadkari outlined the structured mechanism for project selection under CRIF, aligned with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan. He noted that projects are sanctioned based on proposals submitted by states and Union Territories, prioritised by the Ministry to address connectivity needs and infrastructure gaps. For Jammu and Kashmir, the data reflects a consistent increase in fund accruals and utilisation over the past five years.Financial Breakdown and Utilisation
- 2020-21: Jammu and Kashmir accrued ₹94.51 crore, with ₹79.40 crore released.
- 2021-22: Accruals rose to ₹96.91 crore, with a significant release of ₹321.18 crore, reflecting a push for infrastructure development post the reorganization of the erstwhile state.
- 2022-23: Accruals reached ₹113.61 crore, with releases amounting to ₹343.61 crore.
- 2023-24: Accruals increased to ₹128.67 crore, with ₹206.67 crore released.
- 2024-25: Both accruals and releases stand at ₹128.67 crore so far.
In total, over ₹1,000 crore has been released under CRIF for Jammu and Kashmir, with ₹2,827.94 crore allocated for roads and ₹50.62 crore for bridges under the Setu Bandhan component. The funds have supported 100 ongoing road projects worth ₹1,957.03 crore, with significant investments in districts like Jammu (₹320.85 crore), Doda (₹267.29 crore), and Rajouri (₹178.02 crore). However, roads in areas such as Jakhu, Arnia, Majua, Nandpur, Ala, and Dumlad were not included under the CRIF scheme, as clarified by the Ministry in response to MP Jugal Kishore’s query.
Infrastructure Development and Challenges
The CRIF funds are part of a broader infrastructure push in Jammu and Kashmir, which includes 294 major road and bridge projects sanctioned since 2000, totalling ₹4,315 crore. The Ministry emphasised that the consistent flow of funds reflects the Centre’s commitment to improving connectivity despite logistical and administrative challenges, such as weather-related damages in hilly terrains. Projects under CRIF focus on state roads, with execution and monitoring responsibilities lying with the UT government.Additionally, the region has seen significant highway development, with 43 projects worth ₹27,800 crore sanctioned between 2021-22 and 2024-25, covering 653 kilometers.The Centre has also approved 19 road and tunnel projects worth ₹10,637 crore in June 2025, including the Peer-Ki-Gali and Sadhana tunnels, to ensure all-weather connectivity to frontier districts near the Line of Control.
Economic and Strategic Impact
The infrastructure investments are poised to enhance connectivity, boost tourism, and stimulate economic growth in Jammu and Kashmir. The region has witnessed a surge in tourist arrivals, with 2.3 crore visitors in 2024, fueled by improved infrastructure and the removal of Article 370. However, challenges such as high unemployment rates (11.8% in July-September 2024) and concerns over land acquisition for projects like the Jammu Ring Road and satellite townships highlight the need for balanced development that addresses local livelihoods.The Ministry also emphasised road safety measures, with digital monitoring through the NHAI’s Tatpar app and Rajmarg Yatra grievance portal, alongside accountability mechanisms like defect liability periods for contractors. These efforts aim to address the high accident rates on Jammu and Kashmir’s mountainous stretches.
Conclusion The release of over ₹1,000 crore under CRIF since 2020 underscores the Centre’s focus on transforming Jammu and Kashmir’s infrastructure landscape. While significant progress has been made in road and bridge development, ongoing challenges like administrative hurdles, weather-related disruptions, and socio-economic concerns require continued attention to ensure inclusive growth and sustainable development in the region.Keywords: Jammu and Kashmir, CRIF, Central Road and Infrastructure Fund, Nitin Gadkari, road infrastructure, PM Gati Shakti, connectivity, Union Territory, economic growth, tourism, road safety, infrastructure projects.Sources: Kashmir Observer, August 21, 2025; Kashmir Life, August 21, 2025; Kashmir News Observer, July 24, 2025; Posts on X,,,.
