Srinagar, April 2, KNT: The office of Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Thursday said he has expressed gratitude to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for approving the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-I) timeline till March 2027.
According to a post shared by the Chief Minister’s Office on X, the extension has been granted to facilitate the completion of ongoing rural road projects across the Union Territory.
The development is significant as several road connectivity projects under PMGSY were facing delays due to terrain challenges, weather conditions and execution constraints, particularly in remote and hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
In the post, Omar Abdullah said the decision would play a crucial role in ensuring that key infrastructure projects are completed without disruption.
“This extension will help in facilitating the completion of several important rural road projects,” he said.
He added that improved connectivity remains essential for the region’s development, particularly in rural and far-flung areas.
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) — Key facts
Launch:
Launched in December 2000 by the Government of India to improve rural road connectivity.
Objective:
To provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations, especially in remote and inaccessible areas.
Implementing ministry:
Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
Phases:
PMGSY-I: Focus on connecting unconnected habitations
PMGSY-II: Upgradation of existing rural roads
PMGSY-III: Consolidation of rural road networks and linking key economic and social centres
Funding:
Primarily funded by the central government, with cost-sharing provisions in later phases.
Importance:
Improves access to healthcare, education, markets and administrative services in rural areas.
Relevance to J&K:
Critical for connectivity in hilly and remote regions with difficult terrain and weather conditions.
Current update:
Timeline for PMGSY-I in Jammu and Kashmir extended till March 2027 to complete pending projects.
The Chief Minister said the extended timeline would strengthen access to essential services and contribute to overall socio-economic growth.
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is a flagship central scheme aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas.
Officials said that in Jammu and Kashmir, the scheme has been instrumental in improving connectivity in difficult terrains, though several projects remain incomplete due to logistical and environmental challenges.
The extension till March 2027 is expected to provide additional time for executing agencies to complete pending works and improve road infrastructure in underserved regions. [KNT]
