JAMMU: Union Joint Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), Amit Shukla, along with Secretary Public Works (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar conducted a comprehensive review of the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
The review focused on expediting project completion, ensuring adherence to quality standards and enhancing rural connectivity across the region.
During the review meeting, Amit Shukla emphasized the need for a daily monitoring mechanism to meet project timelines and address challenges effectively. He issued specific instructions to ensure uncompromising quality standards in road construction, underscoring the importance of creating durable and safe infrastructure for the people of Jammu & Kashmir. He directed for completion of all PMGSY projects as per the sunset date fixed by the Ministry.
The meeting was attended by the Director of Finance, PWD, Chief Engineer, PMGSY Jammu/Kashmir and Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers of all PIUs.
A detailed presentation was given on the implementation of the PMGSY Programme in J&K since its inception. It was informed that 3742 projects including 305 Bridges having road length of 20801 Km including about 6500 Km upgradation projects have been sanctioned for J&K. Besides this, 2140 habitations having a population of 250+ as per 2001 census has been approved for J&K for providing connectivity.
It was informed that out of the sanctioned programme, 3429 projects including 217 Bridges have been completed so far. Out of the targeted Habitation of 2140, 2129 have been connected, so far, thereby incurring expenditure of Rs 12,650 Crores.
It was informed that implementation of PMGSY in J&K has been given focused attention during the last five years thereby giving significant strides made in enhancing rural connectivity, particularly in remote and hilly regions, aligning with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
Earlier, the Union Joint Secretary conducted an on-ground review of critical road and bridge infrastructure projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir.
The Union Joint Secretary along with Secretary PWD J&K and other Senior Officers of the department visited Kalas Kullian to Chak Harni Road. He asked for the installation of road signage to mitigate traffic hazards. He asked the concerned SE to thoroughly check BM quality reports for compliance with prescribed standards.
He also inspected the ongoing work on the Bridge over Jagti Bamyal Road and laid stress on the early completion of the bridge to improve local connectivity to the larger population for which the project has been sanctioned by the MoRD.
Amit Shukla instructed that contractors’ site engineers should remain present during construction to ensure accountability and quality assurance. He commended the executing teams for their efforts and reaffirmed the Government of India’s commitment towards improving rural infrastructure through PMGSY.
The Joint Secretary reiterated the importance of timely project completion and maintaining high-quality standards to achieve the program’s goal of fostering socio-economic development in remote areas.
