Around Rs 5000 crore are available for upgradation of roads in Jammu and Kashmir under the flagship Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS), PMGSY and CRF for the current fiscal.This information was given at a meeting convened here today under the chairmanship of Minister for Public Works Department, Mr Naeem Akhtar. The meeting was convened to finalize the works programme in R&B sector for the current financial year.Commissioner Secretary R&B, Mr Rohit Kansal, Chief Engineers of R&B, PMGSY, Mughal Road and other concerned officers were present in the meeting.The meeting was informed that while Rs 2800 crore are available for J&K under PMGSY another Rs 1000 crore under the same programme are in the pipeline. Similarly, in another flagship programme, CRF Rs 1000 crore are available for upgradation of road network in the State.The meeting was informed that around 4000 kms of road length is targeted for upgradation in J&K during the current fiscal.
Speaking at the meeting the Minister emphasized on expediting the road upgradation programme to make up for the precious time washed-out on the developmental front because of the unrest last year. He said the Public Works Department is gearing up to launch a massive road upgradation programme across the State this year and the men and machinery have already been mobilized for the purpose.The Minister said that the PWD has set a target of macadamizing around 4000 kms of road length across the state and preference would be given to the cities, towns, tourist resorts and the areas which were not covered under road upgradation because of the unrest last year.Seeking people’s cooperation in accomplishing this major task, the Minister said that improved road communication and education are vital to the socio-economic growth of a community and people should not only facilitate smooth execution of works but also keep a close watch on the quality of works in their respective areas.