Srinagar Mar 11: Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed significant development with the construction of over 450 bridges in the Union Territory over the last five years.
Improving road and bridge infrastructure plays a crucial role in boosting connectivity, facilitating the movement of goods and people, and fostering overall economic development.
During the last five years, 290 bridges have been completed at an estimated cost of Rs 880 Crore by the Roads and Buildings Department.
According to official figures, at least 16 bridges were constructed by PMGSY during 2019-2020 and the number reached 21, 53, 30 and 7 during 2020-2021, 2021-2022, 2022-2023 and 2023-2024 respectively.
J&K has performed exceptionally in making progress and achieving goals under PMGSY during the past three years. The UT has consecutively ranked 3rd at the National level during 2020-21 and 2021-22 in terms of road length constructed under the programme.
For improving rural connectivity, the J & K Government is obtaining a loan from NABARD under Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) programme for construction of “rural roads” and “rural bridges” in J&K. Under RIDF tranches XXV-XXIX, a record number of 1057 road and bridge projects for an amount of Rs.4550 Cr have been sanctioned since 2019-20, which include 183 projects sanctioned during 2023-24 at a cost of Rs.913 Cr.
The aim under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme is to develop and maintain state roads, particularly those of economic importance and which provide inter-state connectivity, rural roads, etc. Construction/ upgradation of 294 major road and bridge projects have been sanctioned by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) under the scheme since 2000 at an estimated cost of Rs 4315 crore.
Besides, 163 projects have been completed and an expenditure to the tune of Rs 2706 crore incurred on the sanctioned projects.
The Department takes blacktopping of the roads under various sectors; however, there are two exclusive programmes dedicated to provide better riding surface of roads in J&K viz. “Cities & Towns programme” with an allocation of Rs.500 Crore and Potholes Free Roads Programme with allocation of Rs.180 Cr during CFY.
Potholes on the roads have been a major concern for smooth flow of traffic, damages to vehicles and accidents, thus causing huge inconvenience to the general public. Taking cognizance of this, the UT Government in 2021-22 introduced the Pothole Free Roads Programme in phased manner, wherein all major roads from State Headquarters to District Headquarters, inter District roads, District Headquarters to Sub-Divisional/ Tehsil/ Block Headquarter and roads connecting National Highways are to be made pothole free.
