Mumbai, Sept. 2 -- Union Minister Dr Jitendra Singh laid the foundation stone for 110 road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) IV, Batch I of 2026-27 in the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda-Kishtwar region, saying the package advances all-weather connectivity to remote hilly habitations. He added that the works address both development needs and strategic security concerns in terrain previously vulnerable to militant movement.
As per the project statement the 110 roads cover 598.455 km at a sanctioned cost of Rs 15.04 bn and are expected to benefit 46,972 people across Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar. The minister noted that Udhampur has ranked among the country's top three districts for PMGSY projects, reflecting long-term prioritisation of rural connectivity.
District-wise, Kathua has 24 projects covering 128.925 km at Rs 3.07 bn; Udhampur 44 projects covering 235.040 km at Rs 5.55 bn; Ramban 13 projects covering 60.360 km at Rs 1.55 bn; Doda 13 projects covering 90.180 km at Rs 2.61 bn; and Kishtwar 16 projects covering 83.950 km at Rs 2.25 bn. Officials said the works will ease travel and improve access to services.
The project statement records the use of waste plastics in many packages to strengthen road durability and promote sustainable construction. The minister highlighted benefits for senior citizens, school-going children and women, saying better roads would reduce seasonal disruption and provide easier access to education, healthcare, markets and workplaces for remote communities.
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reiterated that Jammu and Kashmir is on a development path and stressed strict quality standards for contractors, with bidding and tendering to follow high norms and action against shortcomings. Legislators raised issues on forest clearances and contractor defaults, and the minister reaffirmed continued focus on last-mile connectivity to prevent geography from impeding opportunity.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.