Udhampur among country’s 3 top distts in PMGSY
Avtar Bhat
JAMMU, Jan 16: Union Minister of State in PMO with Independent charge for Science & Technology and Earth Sciences Ministries Dr Jitendra Singh today said that Udhampur district continued to get highest number of funds under PMGSY during five consecutive years.
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Talking to reporters here today while virtually launching 150 road projects and bridges for his Kathua, Udhampur and Doda Parliamentary constituency, Dr Jitendra Singh said Udhampur ranks third all over the country in getting largest funds under PMGSY. “This is the result of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi’s commitment to make up for the deficiencies and do away with the discrimination with the backward and far of places of the country which hitherto were totally neglected and ignored by earlier Governments,” the Minister said.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that earlier Governments had neglected the backward areas of J&K especially Kathua, Udhampur and Doda Parliamentary constituency but during the last 11 years of Modi Government people admit that in Doda district where there were no roads earlier and they had to cover long distances by foot have been now connected with a good road network.
Dr Jitendra Singh said in keeping with the true spirit of a healthy multi-tier democracy a new work culture is sought to be developed in this constituency, wherein the MP instead of imposing his personal preference gives the local representatives, i.e MLAs, local body members etc the full liberty to make choice of the roads to be constructed and the MP simply places his signature of endorsement.
The Minister, while refuting that work on much talked about Sudhmahadev tunnel has been shelved, said it will be re-tendered and work will start soon. The work was not taken up in hand earlier due to security concerns. However, retendering process is underway and work will be started soon, he added.
Dr Jitendra Singh said Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel Project is a separate, strategically significant undertaking within the broader NH-244 corridor development. The project involves the construction of a uni-directional twin-tube tunnel and its approach roads on the Chenani-Sudhmahadev-Goha road portion of NH-244. The main tunnel section is approximately eight km long, he added.
He said the tunnel is designed to shorten the distance between Sudhmahadev and Khellani from 100 km to approximately 32 km, drastically reducing travel time and providing a more reliable, all-weather route less prone to weather-related blockages than the existing Batote-Kishtwar NH.
The Union Minister said the “Sudhmahadev project” refers to the upgradation of the Chenani-Sudhmahadev section of NH-244 and the proposed Sudhmahadev-Dranga Tunnel project, both being developed by the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL).
While referring to Chenani-Sudhmahadev road upgradation, he said this project involves expanding the existing road to a two-lane highway aimed at improving connectivity, reducing accidents, and providing an alternate route to the Kashmir Valley that bypasses sinking areas.
Benefits, the project is expected to significantly reduce travel time from 60 minutes to just 25 minutes. It will also boost tourism by providing better access to local religious sites such as the ancient Shiva temple at Sudhmahadev and the International Yoga Centre at Mantalai. The road project is in its final stage of completion, he added.
Earlier, Dr Jitendra Singh virtually launched here nearly 150 roads and bridges in his Parliamentary constituency under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Jammu & Kashmir. He also laid the foundation stone of dozens of connectivity projects in the districts of Udhampur, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar and Kathua, in presence of Deputy Chief Minister of J&K, Surinder Choudhary, local MLAs and other public representatives of the region.
On the occasion, among the major projects, three roads and six bridges constructed under the PMGSY at a total sanctioned cost of Rs 3,898.56 lakh were inaugurated by Dr Jitendra Singh. Under the scheme, two roads and two bridges have been constructed in Udhampur district at a sanctioned cost of Rs 1,865.65 lakh. One road and four bridges have been constructed in Kathua district at a sanctioned cost of Rs 2,032.91 lakh.
Addressing the gathering, Dr. Jitendra Singh emphasised the importance of ensuring high-quality roads and essential services while maintaining the pace of development work in the region. A new work culture has emerged under the leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, with local representatives at the forefront, reflecting the spirit of multi-tier democracy, the Minister underlined. He said the previously neglected areas have been given priority for their development. Dr Singh informed that the Sudhmadev Tunnel project is set to move forward, with tendering to commence soon, after earlier cancellation due to security considerations.
In challenging terrains, Dr. Jitendra Singh highlighted the need for innovative technologies, such as steel-reinforced roads, to ensure long-lasting infrastructure and ease of maintenance. He also urged the use of the GATI Shakti portal to monitor forest and other clearances for connectivity projects, and noted that it has become a role model for project management across the country.
Dr. Jitendra Singh further emphasised the importance of close coordination between officers and local representatives. He urged that MLAs submit lists of connectivity projects to ensure their inputs are incorporated during inspections and planning, strengthening participatory governance.
In his address, Deputy Chief Minister, Surinder Choudhary reiterated the Government’s commitment to strengthening infrastructure in the Union Territory and stated that enhanced road and bridge connectivity would significantly improve mobility, safety, and overall socio-economic development in the region. He said the newly inaugurated infrastructure projects are expected to provide a major boost to rural development and reflect the Government’s continued focus on building resilient and modern infrastructure for balanced regional growth.
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