‘Govt to build roads, connect hearts in J&K’
Confident that Omar will take J&K to new heights
Fayaz Bukhari
SRINAGAR, Apr 28: Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan while unveiling Rs 8000 crore worth rural road projects here today said that under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Government of India is committed not only to building roads in Jammu and Kashmir but also to connecting hearts.
Follow the Daily Excelsior channel on WhatsApp
Addressing a gathering at the SKICC here after handing over the sanction letter for projects worth Rs 3,566 crore approved under PMGSY-IV (Batch-II) to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, Chouhan said the “doors of the heart and the doors of Delhi are always open” for J&K.
The Union Minister said a strong and developed India under Prime Minister Narendra Modi requires equal progress in J&K. “Under PM Narendra Modi, a strong India is in the making-a Viksit Bharat. And for a developed India, we need a developed J&K,” he said.
Chouhan said he had come to Kashmir with a message of love and progress from the Prime Minister, adding that his visit was aimed at connecting with the people.
“I have not come here with the ego of a Minister; I have come to serve as a sevak. Service to people is worship,” he said, stressing that governance must translate into visible improvements in people’s lives.
“If, after becoming ministers, we are unable to bring smiles to people’s faces, change their lives, and make living easier, then holding office becomes a burden,” he added.
The Union Minister said the Centre is committed to building a strong road network in Jammu and Kashmir, noting that connectivity is essential for access to education, healthcare and economic opportunities.
The projects aim to connect 363 habitations through 330 roads, covering approximately 1,600 km, significantly boosting last-mile connectivity and promoting inclusive development.
Chouhan said the approval of the road projects marks a major push to rural infrastructure in the Union Territory, alongside a broader focus on women’s empowerment and agriculture-led growth.
On the occasion, a “Mother Sanction” of over Rs 4,568.23 crore was also released under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana-National Rural Livelihoods Mission (DAY-NRLM) for 24 states and Union Territories.
He said the first approval under the fourth phase of the PMGSY has been granted to J&K, placing the region at the forefront of rural connectivity initiatives.
He added that the J&K was prioritised in both phases of PMGSY-IV approvals, describing the sanction of nearly Rs 8,000 crore worth of road projects within a year as “historic”.
“I say with pride that the first approval under PMGSY-IV has been granted to J&K by PM Narendra Modi. J&K comes first. Once these roads are completed, the next phase will also be approved,” he said.
The Union Minister said the Centre would continue to support further phases of development as projects progress, expressing confidence that the J&K Government under Omar Abdullah would carry forward inclusive growth.
“For progress and development, we will do everything. The possibilities are immense. Under PM Narendra Modi, the Government of India will realise these possibilities, and I am confident that CM Omar Abdullah will take J&K to new heights,” he said. On women’s empowerment, Chouhan said the Rs 4,568.23 crore sanction under DAY-NRLM would strengthen women’s self-help groups across the country.
Addressing women in J&K, he said the aim is not only to create “Lakhpati Didis” but to build strong and independent entrepreneurs. Beneficiaries were also felicitated during the programme.
Turning to agriculture, he acknowledged challenges such as small landholdings, difficult terrain and weather conditions in J&K, and said the Centre would support the region through the Holistic Agriculture Development Programme by promoting quality planting material, establishing nurseries and advancing scientific farming practices.
He announced that a team from the Indian Council of Agricultural Research will study the region’s climate, soil, water resources and agricultural potential to prepare a comprehensive roadmap.
Highlighting integrated farming, Chouhan said farmers can increase incomes by combining agriculture with allied sectors such as animal husbandry, fisheries, sheep and goat rearing, and beekeeping.
He added that the Centre would work with the J&K Government to make agriculture more profitable, sustainable and employment-oriented.
Describing Kashmir as “incredible”, he said the visit provided an opportunity to directly engage with people, adding that development efforts would be intensified to unlock the region’s vast potential.
Follow our WhatsApp channel
