Launches Rs 924 cr new, Rs 86 cr completed road projects
Avtar Bhat
UDHAMPUR, Nov 15 : Union Minister in PMO with independent charge of Science and Technology, Dr. Jitendra Singh, today said that road connectivity in hitherto neglected areas of Udhampur, Kathua and Doda by previous regimes became possible after Modi Government gave priority to these areas which resulted in Udhampur becoming among the country’s top three districts so far as road connectivity is concerned.
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The Minister said this while laying foundation stone and inaugurating various PMGSY projects of districts of Kathua, Udhampur, Doda, Kishtwar and Ramban of his Lok Sabha constituency through electronic mode at Udhampur today.
He said one should appreciate what the situation prior to 2014 in this entire belt was. The Udhampur was most backward district and smooth journey was not possible. Today there is a good network of roads, he said, adding far flung areas of district including Ramnagar belt have been now linked with road connectivity.
Dr Jitendra Singh said soon Udhammpur Airport will be made functional for ATR flights and later it will be made functional for routine services.
Dr Jitendra Singh, while talking to reporters also termed the victory in Nagrota Assembly segment on expected lines. He said people of entire country from North to South and East to West want to become the part of Modi’s journey of Viksit Bharat whie commenting on party’s landslide victory in Bihar elections.
“He said BJP is always ready for any election. We never have any specific target. This is a natural part of our work process.
On Nowgam Police Station blast, he said “It is painful that precious lives were lost in the blast but maintained that relevant agencies are investigating this matter”.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the works undertaken as a part of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna (PMGSY) are a testimony to the Modi Government’s commitment to improve the rural connectivity of the unconnected habitations of the country.
On the occasion, the Union Minister laid foundation stone of 45 road projects on five districts and inaugurated nine completed road projects of three districts. The total project cost of 45 roads in the five districts would be Rs. 92423.82 lakhs. The total project cost of the nine roads dedicated to public was Rs 8677. 92 Lacs.
While addressing the audience, Dr Jitendra Singh underlined that almost all of these projects were initiated on request of concerned people’s representatives since they have a better understanding of local needs and constraints and also have greater accountability. He said that the present Government under the leadership of PM Narendra Modi has changed the way of functioning for such projects by employing such bottom-up approach.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that unlike earlier, the present Government has prioritised fair and equitable development keeping in view the regional developmental needs of people of Jammu region. He said for the last few years Kathua district has been leading as a top(third) ranker for infrastructure (road) development nationally which is a testimony of Government’s commitment to equitable regional development.
The Union Minister said that security is a critical issue related to construction of roads and that the Government is approaching concerned security agencies for coordinated approach for road construction/upgradation in strategic areas especially in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor.
He informed that in the aftermath of Operation Sindoor, the widening of Dhar Road was felt very essential and maintained that the same has been cleared from the Defence authorities and the widening work of Dhar Road will be taken up soon for the convenience of the commuters and the defence personnel.
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the virtual launch of multiple road projects mark yet another step forward in the Government of India’s commitment to expanding rural infrastructure, promoting inclusive development and improving the ease of living for people residing in far-flung areas.
Reaffirming the Government’s resolve to ensure equitable development, Dr. Jitendra Singh said that robust road networks serve as the lifeline of rural progress, facilitating economic activities and improving access to education, healthcare, markets and emergency services. He added that these projects would significantly uplift the socio-economic landscape of the region and bring lasting benefits to the local population.
Dr. Jitendra Singh also laid the foundation stone at the site for the Link Road from Channi Morh to Lower Sounthan, Udhampur that will accelerate rural infrastructure development and enhance accessibility to remote habitations. The 3.350-kilometre road has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 799.69 lakh and is set to benefit approximately 755 souls in the region.
The Minister directed the administration to extend full cooperation in ensuring the successful execution of these projects, which will significantly ease travel hardships, enhance access to essential services, and boost the overall socio-economic profile of the region. He also emphasized issues like timely clearances, quality control and coordinated communication between administration and people’s representatives was crucial for undertaking developmental projects
Dr Jitendra Singh said that the said projects would certainly go a long way in mitigating the inconveniences being faced by the people and prove as a panacea to them as far as road connectivity under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana ((PMGSY) is concerned.
The event was attended by DDC Chairperson Lal Chand, MLA Chenani, Balwant Singh Mankotia, MLA Udhampur West, Pawan Kumar Gupta, MLA Udhampur East, Ranbir Singh Pathania, MLA Ramnagar, Sunil Bhardwaj and officers from various departments. DDCs as well as the DCs of districts of Kathua, Ramban, Doda, Kishtwar were also present through online mode for the e-inauguration.
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