JAMMU: Secretary Public Works Department (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar, today convened a meeting to review the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Jammu and Kashmir.
The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer PMGSY Jammu and Kashmir, Superintendent Engineers besides Executive Engineers of all 28 PIUs, both in person and through virtual mode. A detailed presentation on the implementation of the programme was given by both the Chief Engineers.
It was informed in the meeting that unconnected habitations with 250+ population in J&K, as per the 2001 census, envisaged to be connected through all-weather roads under this programme. In J&K, 2140 rural habitations were found eligible to be connected under this scheme for which the Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned 3453 projects (including 239 long-span bridges) under PMGSY-I and II for construction of 19049 Km road length at an estimated cost of Rs.12565 crore. Moreover, 276 projects (including 65 long-span bridges) have also been sanctioned under PMGSY-III for upgradation of 1617 km at an estimated cost of Rs.2093.00 crore.
Despite adverse working conditions, J&K has achieved 98.50 per cent of the sanctioned programme with 2108 habitations have been connected upto 31-12-2023 and the remaining 32 habitations have been targeted to be connected by March 2024. Besides, a 17985.10 km road length has been constructed under the scheme against the sanctioned programme.
Under PMGSY-III, 490.91 Km road length has been upgraded and completed upto 31.12.23 against the sanctioned length of 1617 Km and the work on other projects is targeted for completion by March 2025.
Secretary issued directions to Chief Engineers to monitor the progress and put up an action plan for completion of PMGSY-I and II as per the sunset date i.e. 31st March 2024. The road and bridge projects which have been held up due to land acquisition/court cases/contractual issues be followed scrupulously so that issues are resolved for early completion of works.
The secretary asked for action against the contractor for delaying the works as per the contract agreement.
He directed the Chief Engineers to monitor all ongoing works weekly and submit reports to the administrative department accordingly.
Referring to PMGSY-III, the Secretary asked the concerned for the completion of the tendering process for the batches sanctioned by MoRD, GoI besides initiating work to avoid last minute rush in the completion of the projects. He also asked for strict monitoring of maintenance work on the roads which are within DLP as per the agreement so that the good pavement condition of the road is maintained to facilitate the commuters.
The secretary directed the officers to complete the Stage-I work to provide connectivity to the remaining habitations of the sanctioned programme. He also exhorted upon all the officers of the department to strictly observe the quality standards during the execution of work as per the guidelines.
