Launch Rs 2716.2 lakh road project
Excelsior Correspondent
SAMBA, Jan 9: Member of Parliament from Jammu-Reasi, Lok Sabha constituency, Jugal Kishore Sharma and MLA, Samba, Surjeet Singh Slathia today described the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) as a game changer for strengthening the road network, particularly in rural and border areas, saying the Centrally sponsored scheme holds immense potential for transforming infrastructure in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The leaders kick-started the construction of an 11-kilometre road from village Sodam to Sanur via Mansoor in Samba constituency, being executed under PMGSY at an estimated cost of Rs 2716.2 lakh.
The project aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to several villages that have remained underserved for decades.
Addressing local residents and officials, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma said that PMGSY has brought a paradigm shift in rural development by ensuring reliable and durable road connectivity to remote habitations. He said roads are not merely a means of transportation but act as the backbone of economic growth, social integration and access to essential services.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister, Narendra Modi, development has been given a new meaning. PMGSY has emerged as one of the most impactful schemes, especially in regions like J&K, where terrain and connectivity have historically posed challenges,” Sharma said.
Speaking on the occasion, Surjeet Singh Slathia, said that improved road infrastructure has significantly enhanced access to healthcare, education, markets and employment opportunities.
Slathia said that the Central Government has made unprecedented investments in infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade, especially post 2019, ensuring that growth reaches the grassroots level.
He said that the PMGSY has transformed the rural landscape by connecting villages that were earlier cut off during adverse weather conditions. “This road will provide a major boost to socio-economic activity in the area. Farmers, students, traders and daily commuters will be the biggest beneficiaries,” he said.
Slathia said that the BJP Government at the Centre has maintained a clear focus on balanced and inclusive development, ensuring that border districts like Samba are not left behind.
Both the BJP leaders reiterated that youth employment, local economy and public convenience remain central to the development agenda. They said improved road connectivity would facilitate faster movement of goods and services, reduce travel time, and enhance safety, particularly for schoolchildren and patients.
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