The Centre recently sanctioned 316 road projects at an estimated cost of Rs.4224 Cr under Batch-I of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) for Jammu and Kashmir. J&K was first among all States/UTs which got sanction under PMGSY-IV. It is also the biggest ever package sanctioned for J&K under PMGSY. Soon after the sanction was granted Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan for giving priority to the Union Territory. The approval reflects the Central Government’s clear commitment to ensuring equitable development across the country, with a special focus on areas that have long suffered from geographical and political isolation. The approved 1781 KMs road length will provide a major boost to rural road connectivity and usher in a new era of prosperity in far-flung areas. Lieutenant Governor Manoj Sinha’s prompt acknowledgment and gratitude towards Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan underline the UT administration’s readiness to collaborate with the Centre for holistic progress. This cooperation is clearly bearing fruit, as road infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir has undergone a dramatic transformation, especially after the administrative changes of 2019. Better roads are more than just physical infrastructure; they are lifelines that connect people to opportunities, markets, healthcare, and education. For residents of remote villages in the Pir Panjal, Chenab Valley, and border belts, these new road projects promise an era of improved mobility, economic growth, and social integration. When children can get to school safely, farmers can transport their produce to market faster, and patients can access healthcare without delay, the result is tangible progress in every aspect of life. Under the leadership of LG Manoj Sinha, the administration has consistently demonstrated resolve and efficiency in delivering on development promises. From accelerating project execution to ensuring last-mile connectivity, the UT has made noteworthy strides. The PMGSY-IV sanction only strengthens the region’s momentum toward becoming a model of rural development. It is also a reaffirmation of the vision that development must reach the doorstep of the last person in the last village. The road ahead — quite literally — is being laid with a focus on inclusivity, speed, and sustainability. |