Srinagar, Feb 10 (KNO): As many as 316 rural road projects covering a length of 1,781.33 kilometres have been sanctioned for UT J&K under Phase-IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), the Centre informed the Lok Sabha on Tuesday.
In a written reply to a starred question, the Ministry of Rural Development, according to the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO) said that Rajouri district has received the highest allocation with 41 road works spanning 256.96 km, followed closely by Poonch with 40 roads covering 204.40 km and Doda with 31 road projects totalling 239.10 km .
As per the district-wise data, Reasi has been sanctioned 21 roads (181.88 km), Ramban 24 roads (155.62 km), Udhampur 20 roads (133.93 km) and Kathua 15 roads (129.56 km). Border and hilly districts including Kupwara (46.81 km), Baramulla (41.94 km), Bandipora (47.93 km) and Kishtwar (93.21 km) have also been covered under the scheme.
In south Kashmir, Pulwama has been allotted 14 road works (54.22 km), Kulgam 13 roads (30.90 km), Anantnag 7 roads (19.50 km) and Shopian three road projects (9.10 km), while in central Kashmir, Budgam has received 14 road works (47.89 km) and Ganderbal 8 projects (22.55 km).
The Ministry said that the UT of Jammu and Kashmir has begun awarding works under PMGSY-IV, while tendering processes in other States and UTs are at various stages. The physical and financial progress will start getting reported after the finalisation of tenders.
The PMGSY-IV aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations, particularly in hilly, border and aspirational areas, to strengthen rural infrastructure and improve access to essential services—(KNO)