Jammu: Union minister Jitendra Singh on Sunday said Jammu and Kashmir has received a major boost in rural road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), with projects worth Rs 3,556 crore sanctioned.
Singh said the trend of substantial allocation for rural roads has remained consistent, saying that over the past four to five years, Udhampur district has ranked among the top two or three districts in the country in execution of PMGSY projects.
“The data released two days ago under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana shows that for Jammu and Kashmir, about Rs 3,556 crore has been allocated for road projects, particularly rural roads,” Singh said.
He said that of Rs 3,556 crore, nearly Rs 1,524 crore — around 43 per cent— has been allocated this year alone.
He also said that the infrastructure push has transformed connectivity in remote areas where villagers had never seen motor vehicles earlier. “National highways are now being developed across districts, including Udhampur, Doda and Kishtwar, with Doda connected through National Highway 244.”
Singh noted that areas such as Ramnagar and Chenani, once considered difficult terrain for road construction, are now witnessing improved connectivity. “In the last 10 years, almost no rural area has been left unconnected with roads,” he said.
The minister also highlighted the launch of the Vande Bharat train between Jammu and Srinagar, stating that concerns regarding stoppages had been addressed.
“Following our request, the train will now halt at Udhampur, benefiting trade and improving ease of travel,” he said.
He further said that improved road and rail connectivity in sensitive areas like Doda will aid the movement of security forces and strengthen operational efficiency in regions affected by militancy.
Earlier, Singh held a public durbar at Barmeen village in the Chenani assembly segment of Udhampur district, where he interacted with residents and delegations to address their grievances.
Senior officials from various government departments and public representatives were present on the occasion. Several issues were resolved on the spot, while others were taken up with the concerned authorities with directions for time-bound disposal.
Describing the initiative as part of a series of outreach programmes, Singh said such public durbars are being regularly conducted across the Udhampur-Kathua-Doda Lok Sabha constituency at district and block levels to ensure direct public engagement.
He reiterated his commitment to continue the initiative to ensure that the concerns of people, especially in remote areas, are heard and addressed promptly.
On public demand, Singh said the district administration has been tasked with identifying land for the establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Ghordi, after which a formal proposal will be submitted.
He further announced that a Yatri Transit Shed will be constructed near Narsingh Mandir under the MPLAD fund to provide improved facilities for visitors and devotees.
