Centre sanctions ₹4,224 cr for 316 rural road projects in J&K under PMGSY-IV –

The Central Government has sanctioned 316 road projects, at an estimated cost of over Rs. 4224 crore, under Batch-I of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) for Jammu and Kashmir for providing connectivity to 390 eligible habitations with a population of more than 250 souls. Akashvani Jammu Correspondent reports that the implementation of the PMGSY-IV during the financial year 2024-25 to 2028-29 was approved by the Union Cabinet in September 2024. Notably, J&K is the first among all States and Union Territories to get this project, with the approved 1781 km road length, sanctioned under PMGSY-IV. It is also the biggest-ever package sanctioned for J&K under PMGSY. The approved road length will provide a major boost to rural road connectivity and usher in a new era of prosperity in far-flung areas. As per the scheme, unconnected habitations will be provided with all-weather road connectivity, which will play the role of a catalyst for the required socio-economic development and transformation of the remote rural areas. While connecting habitations, the nearby government educational, health, market, and growth centres will be connected, as far as feasible, with an all-weather road for the benefit of the local people. The total outlay of the PMGSY-IV during FY 2024-25 to 2028-29 will be Rs. 70 thousand and 125 crore across the country. Out of the total outlay, the central share comprises Rs. 49,087.50 crore and the state share Rs. 21,037.50 crore. The financial assistance is to be provided for the construction of a 62 thousand 500 km road for providing new connectivity to eligible 25 thousand unconnected habitations and the construction and upgradation of bridges on the new connectivity roads. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha shared the news on X with a note of gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi and the Union Minister for Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.