Srinagar, Feb 06: Jammu and Kashmir Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary reaffirmed the government's resolute commitment to establishing an extensive and pervasive road connectivity network, encompassing every inhabited area and settlement across the Union Territory.
Responding to a query raised by legislator Javid Hassan Baig in the Legislative Assembly, Choudhary delineated a systematic and meticulously planned, phased strategy for road development under prominent flagship initiatives such as the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF), National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD) - Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), and Union Territory Capital Expenditure (UT Capex), aligning with the comprehensive and forward-looking J&K Road Policy-2021.
He underscored that project planning, sanctioning, and execution processes are stringent and time-bound, subject to rigorous review and monitoring mechanisms, thereby ensuring the timely delivery of safe, durable, and all-weather roads.
Choudhary highlighted the Public Works (Roads & Buildings) Department's concerted efforts in constructing, upgrading, and maintaining road infrastructure under various Central Sector Schemes (CSS) and Union Territory sector schemes, adhering to directives issued by the Supreme Court of India. The J&K Road Policy-2021 ensures assured funding, utmost transparency, and meticulously planned maintenance protocols.
The house was further informed that roads are designed and constructed in accordance with Indian Road Congress (IRC) standards, incorporating essential safety features such as crash barriers, signage, road furniture, identification of accident-prone locations, and mandatory maintenance during and post-construction phases. Special emphasis is placed on establishing connectivity to remote, hilly, and inaccessible areas to foster equitable and inclusive development.
The Directorate Investigation & Quality Control (DIQC) wing is mandated to ensure technical excellence, uncompromising quality, and strict compliance in the creation and maintenance of road and bridge infrastructure, aiming for safe, durable, and seasonally serviceable roads that catalyze economic activity, promote social inclusion, and facilitate regional integration.
Farzana Syed
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