Jammu & Kashmir Gets Massive Infrastructure Push with ₹3,566 Crore Rural Road Expansion Plan Approved

Srinagar, April 28, 2026: A major development initiative for Jammu and Kashmir was announced as Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally handed over approval letters for road projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase IV to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah during a programme held at SKICC Srinagar. Alongside this, a significant funding package exceeding four thousand five hundred sixty eight crore rupees was released under DAY NRLM aimed at strengthening women self help groups across multiple states and union territories.

The event witnessed participation from senior political leaders, Members of Parliament, legislators, government officials, and a large number of rural beneficiaries including farmers and women representatives. The initiative is being seen as a comprehensive effort to accelerate infrastructure expansion, rural empowerment, and agricultural modernization in the region.

Speaking on the occasion, Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the development approach of the government is not limited to physical infrastructure but also focuses on strengthening emotional and social connectivity between regions. He emphasized that the Centre remains committed to ensuring that every village and remote settlement is linked to mainstream development through improved road connectivity which also enables better access to education healthcare and markets.

He further highlighted that nearly eight thousand crore rupees worth of road projects approved for Jammu and Kashmir within a year marks a significant milestone in regional development. He assured continued support from the Centre for remaining connectivity requirements and stressed that implementation speed and quality would remain top priorities.

On women empowerment, Chouhan announced that substantial financial support under DAY NRLM will further strengthen self help groups and encourage women entrepreneurs. He added that the vision is to expand opportunities beyond basic livelihood support and enable women to become economically independent and self sustaining.

Chief Minister Omar Abdullah welcomed the initiative and described the development package as transformative for the Union Territory given its challenging geography and scattered population. He expressed gratitude for the continued support from the Centre and assured that the sanctioned projects would be implemented efficiently to bring visible improvements in rural infrastructure and livelihoods.

The Chief Minister noted that road connectivity plays a crucial role in linking remote areas with essential services and economic opportunities and stated that the new phase of projects will further bridge existing gaps in accessibility across difficult terrain regions of Jammu and Kashmir.