India To Upgrade 25000 Km Highways For Green Mobility
Jammu and Kashmir is set to witness a major upgrade in its rural infrastructure as the Centre has approved a funding of Rs 4224 crore for the construction of 316 new roads under Phase 4 of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. This ambitious road development plan spans across 19 districts, covering a total stretch of 1781 kilometres. The primary objective of the project is to improve rural connectivity and make essential services like education, healthcare, and local markets more accessible to remote areas.
Rajouri district has received the highest number of sanctioned roads with 41 projects getting clearance and a budget of over Rs 588 crore. These roads will be built across various parts of the district including Manjakot, Darhal, Kalakot, Dhangri, Nowshera, and Budhal. Poonch follows closely with 40 road projects and an allocated fund of approximately Rs 484 crore for areas like Bufliaz, Lasana, Surankot, Mendhar, and Poonch town. In Doda, 31 roads have been approved with a total allocation of Rs 661 crore, covering locations such as Chirala, Bhaderwah, and Udaipur.
Ramban district will see the construction of 26 roads with Rs 416 crore sanctioned for works in Banihal, Rajgarh, Ramsu, and Ukhral. Reasi has been allotted Rs 400 crore for 21 roads that will be developed in places like Katra, Thakurkot, Anras, and Mahore. In Udhampur, 20 new roads will be built with a funding of Rs 304 crore, improving connectivity in Udhampur town, Sevna, Chenani, Panchari, and Khoon.
Kishtwar, Kathua, Kupwara, Budgam, Baramulla, Kulgam, Pulwama, Bandipora, Ganderbal, Anantnag, Jammu, and Samba districts have also received project approvals, with funding ranging from a few crores to over Rs 300 crore depending on the number and scale of the roads proposed.
The Union Ministry of Rural Development gave the nod after receiving detailed reports from the Jammu and Kashmir administration, which identified roadless villages across the union territory. Central teams conducted field visits before finalising the list of sanctioned roads. The Public Works Department in Jammu and Kashmir has already started the process of allocating tenders to contractors to begin work on the ground.
Officials said the initiative is expected to transform mobility in rural parts of Jammu and Kashmir, particularly in hilly and far-flung areas where access to basic amenities has long been a challenge. Once completed, the roads will improve connectivity and boost economic activities, while ensuring that rural residents can reach healthcare facilities, schools, and markets more easily.
