JAMMU, Jan 27: Chief Secretary Atal Dulloo chaired a crucial review
meeting of the Public Works Department (PWD) today, focusing on the
progress of major ongoing road projects across Jammu and Kashmir.
Attended by senior engineers and executing agencies, the meeting
highlighted the significance of timely completion of vital road
connectivity projects.
During the session, the Chief Secretary underscored the importance of
enhancing the capacity of engineers to meet project deadlines
efficiently. He directed senior functionaries to personally monitor
progress and ensure adherence to quality standards. Dulloo emphasized
expediting surveys and the formulation of Detailed Project Reports
(DPRs) under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Phase IV, aiming
to provide all-weather road links to all unconnected habitations
across the Union Territory.
Progress Under PMGSY
Secretary PWD, Bhupinder Kumar, presented a detailed account of
achievements under PMGSY Phases I, II, and III. He reported:
Phase I: 17,578 km of roads constructed, including 210 Long Span Bridges (LSBs).
Phase II: Seven LSBs completed.
Phase III: 1,248 km of roads and one LSB completed.
Discussions also revolved around the launch of PMGSY Phase IV, which
aims to connect the remaining 1,386 unconnected villages. The meeting
revealed that Gram Sadak Surveys for 1,249 villages have been
finalized, while surveys for 102 villages are under review. As J&K
falls under a special category, the Union government will provide 90%
financial assistance, with a relaxed population criterion requiring
only 250 residents per habitation, compared to 500 in other states.
Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF)
The meeting reviewed the status of 121 projects under CRIF, sanctioned
at a cost of ₹2,366 crore. Out of these, ₹1,180 crore has been
utilized, and 21 projects have been completed against a target of 41
for the fiscal year 2024-25.
NABARD RIDF Projects
Under NABARD’s RIDF initiatives (XXIV to XXIX), 1,098 projects were
sanctioned with an estimated cost of ₹4,761 crore. To date, ₹1,246
crore has been spent, and 195 projects have been completed.
Additionally, 140 new projects costing ₹949 crore have been submitted
under RIDF-XXX for approval.
Capex Performance and Blacktopping
The meeting reported that 2,115 works have been completed so far under
the 2024-25 Capex budget, with a target of 3,469 works. Achievements
include macadamization of 3,013 km of roads and completion of 25
bridges out of the 60 targeted for the fiscal year.
Directives for Timely Completion
The Chief Secretary directed officials to expedite remaining works,
avoid delays, and prioritize unfinished projects under various
schemes, including PMGSY, NABARD, and CRIF. He also reviewed the
integration of JKPCC staff into PWD and the utilization of leftover
funds for completing pending projects.
The meeting concluded with a strong emphasis on quality assurance and
timely delivery to ensure better road infrastructure across Jammu and
Kashmir, enhancing connectivity and accessibility for all.
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