SRINAGAR, MAR 04: As Prime Minister Narendra Modi prepares to visit Kashmir, the ambitious Prime Minister’s Development Package (PMDP) for Jammu and Kashmir has seen significant progress in recent months.
Announced in 2015 with a total outlay of Rs 80,068 crore, the PMDP initially included 63 major infrastructure projects across roads, power, health, tourism and other key sectors aimed at bridging the development gap in the former state. After J&K’s bifurcation into two union territories in 2019, 53 projects worth Rs 58,477 crore were allocated to the UT of J&K, with the remaining going to Ladakh.
According to official figures, till December 2023, Rs 45,448 crore has been utilized out of the Rs 46,981 crore released for these 53 projects, with 33 projects already completed. The pace of implementation has picked up notably over the last few years after measures were taken to resolve issues like land acquisition, clearances and court cases that had delayed progress earlier.
Major projects under the PMDP include all-weather roads, power infrastructure, health institutes, tourism facilities as well as flood management and rehabilitation works.
Officials state that their completion will bring J&K’s infrastructure up to par with other states and meet the long-pending development needs of the region.
The PMDP forms a key part of the Modi government’s push for accelerated development in J&K since its reorganization in 2019. It complements other schemes like the Border Area Development Programme that aim to spur economic growth and provide basic services, especially in far-flung areas. The Home Ministry is closely monitoring progress, to ensure the timely completion of all approved projects. PM Modi’s upcoming visit is expected to review the status and give a fresh impetus to these initiatives.
