Kashmir Impulse Desk

Srinagar, April 27 

India will launch a new phase of its rural roads programme in Jammu and Kashmir aimed at improving connectivity to remote areas, a federal minister said ahead of the rollout on Tuesday.

Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the latest phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV, Batch-II) would involve building 330 roads spanning about 1600 km at a cost of Rs 3550 crore.

The roads are expected to connect 363 habitations, improving access to services and economic opportunities in far-flung regions, Chouhan said.

“Development must reach the last mile,” he said, adding that enhanced connectivity would support livelihoods and rural growth.

The programme is due to be formally launched at the Sher-e-Kashmir International Conference Centre in Srinagar, where Chouhan is scheduled to hand over project approvals to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah.

Officials said the initiative builds on progress made under the scheme since its inception in 2000, during which thousands of kilometres of rural roads and hundreds of bridges have been constructed in the region.

Alongside infrastructure expansion, the government will also distribute approvals under the Deendayal Antyodaya Yojana, aimed at strengthening self-help groups and promoting income generation, particularly among women.

Chouhan said rural development efforts were being pursued through a mix of infrastructure, agriculture and livelihood programmes, including the PM-Kisan Samman Nidhi and crop insurance initiatives.

The federal government remains focused on boosting rural infrastructure and farm incomes as part of efforts to drive inclusive development in the Himalayan region, he said.