In a significant move, about 3,500 projects, including 217 bridges have been completed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the last two decades in Jammu and Kashmir. This scheme which is a centrally sponsored scheme aims to boost rural connectivity, particularly in remote and hilly areas.
During a review meeting headed by Amit Shukla, Joint Secretary of the Ministry of Rural Development, officials highlighted the development and the need for speeding up the pending projects. The core topics discussed during the meeting were expediting project deadlines, making sure that adherence to quality standards is maintained, and aligning with the government’s vision of ‘’Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas.’’
The scheme was launched in Jammu and Kashmir during 2001-02, PMGSY’s goal was to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations with populations of more than 250, as per the 2001 Census. Under the scheme for the Union Territory, a total of 3,742 projects, comprising 305 bridges and a cumulative road stretch of 20,801 kilometers have been sanctioned till now.
As per the latest update, around 3,429 projects, including 217 bridges have been done till now. These projects have helped in connecting 2,219 out of the 2,140 habitants. The cost for these projects has been Rs 12,650 crore. The program has gained notable momentum in the last five years with a special focus on enhancing accessibility in rural and hilly areas.
Shukla also asserted during the meeting the need for robust daily monitoring of the projects to meet the deadlines and to handle the challenges effectively. He also underlined the significance of maintaining a high level of standards in the construction of the road and also to ensure safe and durable infrastructure for the residents of Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting concluded with the orders to finish all the pending PMGSY projects within the ministry’s given deadline, reaffirming the government’s dedication to bridging the infrastructure gaps in the region. Shukla has conducted an on-site inspection of all the major roads and bridge projects in the region. The sites that were scrutinized were the ongoing construction of a bridge on the Jagti Bmayal Road and Kalas Kullian to Chak Harni Road.
(With inputs from PTI)