In a significant boost to rural connectivity, Jammu and Kashmir has secured the first approval under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV), with the Union Ministry of Rural Development sanctioning 316 road projects worth Rs. 4,224 crore. This is the largest-ever rural road package for J&K, aimed at connecting 390 habitations across 1,781 kilometers of all-weather roads, enhancing access to education, healthcare, and markets in remote areas.
The projects, part of Batch-I of PMGSY-IV, will drive economic growth by linking underserved villages, particularly in hilly terrains, to development hubs. J&K Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for prioritizing J&K, calling it a historic milestone. The initiative aligns with PMGSY-IV’s nationwide goal of constructing 62,500 km of roads with a total outlay of Rs. 70,125 crore (2024-25 to 2028-29), promoting inclusive growth under “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
The package will use sustainable methods like cold mix technology, plastic waste, and recycled materials (fly ash, metal slag), creating jobs and boosting local economies. Since 2001-02, PMGSY has connected 2,129 villages in J&K through 3,500 projects, including 217 bridges. The PM Motion Power Portal will streamline Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for timely execution, setting a benchmark for rural infrastructure development.
