Excelsior Correspondent
JAMMU, Nov 30: Amit Shukla, Joint Secretary in the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD) of the Government of India, accompanied by Bhupinder Kumar, Secretary in the Public Works (R&B) Department of Jammu & Kashmir, performed an extensive review of the execution of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) within the Union Territory of Jammu & Kashmir.
The focus of the review was on accelerating project completion, ensuring compliance with quality standards, and improving rural connectivity across the area.
During the meeting, Shukla stressed the necessity for a daily monitoring system to adhere to project deadlines and effectively tackle any challenges. He provided specific directions to maintain high-quality standards in road construction, highlighting the importance of establishing robust and safe infrastructure for the residents of Jammu & Kashmir.
Moreover, directives were given for the timely completion of all PMGSY projects as per the deadline set by the Ministry. Attendees of the meeting included the Director of Finance for PWD, the Chief Engineer of PMGSY for Jammu & Kashmir, along with all Superintending Engineers and Executive Engineers from various Project Implementation Units (PIUs).
A thorough presentation was made regarding the implementation of the PMGSY Programme in J&K since its launch. It was reported that 3742 projects, including 305 Bridges, covering a road length of 20801 Kms and around 6500 Kms of upgradation projects, have been approved for J&K. Additionally, 2140 habitations with a population of 250+ as per the 2001 Census have been sanctioned connectivity. So far, out of the sanctioned programme, 3429 projects including 217 Bridges have been completed, and out of the target habitation of 2140, 2129 have been connected, with an incurred expenditure of Rs 12,650 crores.
The implementation of PMGSY in J&K has received concentrated focus over the past five years, resulting in significant improvements in rural connectivity, especially in remote and mountainous areas, in line with the vision of “Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas”.
Earlier that day, the Joint Secretary conducted an on-site review of essential road and bridge infrastructure projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the Jammu region of Jammu & Kashmir.
Shukla, along with the Secretary of PWD J&K and other senior department officials, visited the Kalas Kullian to Chak Harni Road (Package No.: JK05-3014, Length: 8.685 Km). During his inspection of this road project under PIU Jammu, Shukla noted the importance of ensuring that the Berm and Shoulder conform to standard specifications to enhance road durability. He also advocated for the installation of road signage to prevent traffic accidents.
