Omar Abdullah Commends Union Minister for PMGSY-I Extension to March 2027
Synopsis
Jammu and Kashmir's Chief Minister, Omar Abdullah, expresses gratitude to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for extending the PMGSY-I timeline, facilitating vital rural road projects. This extension, critical for infrastructure development, highlights the government's commitment to enhancing connectivity and reducing poverty in the region.
Key Takeaways
PMGSY-I timeline extended to March 2027 .
Significant financial package of Rs 4,224.23 crore for road projects.
Connectivity for habitations with populations as low as 250.
Approximately 1.67 lakh unconnected areas eligible for coverage.
Focus on sustainable management of rural road networks.
Jammu, April 2 (NationPress) The Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir, Omar Abdullah, expressed his appreciation on Thursday to Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan for the decision to prolong the timeline of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-I) for the union territory until March 2027.
According to a statement shared by Abdullah's office on its X handle, "The Chief Minister conveyed his heartfelt thanks to the Hon’ble Union Minister @ChouhanShivraj for agreeing to the proposal put forth by the J&K Government to extend the PMGSY-I timeline to March 2027. This extension is crucial for the successful completion of significant rural road initiatives across Jammu & Kashmir."
The central government had approved a substantial package of Rs 4,224.23 crore for 316 road projects in Jammu and Kashmir as part of PMGSY for the fiscal year 2025-2026, marking the largest package allocated for the union territory since the inception of this national rural road development scheme.
Under the PMGSY-IV initiative, rural areas with a population of merely 250 individuals will receive road access, covering a total distance of 1,781.33 km.
The PMGSY was introduced by the Government of India to ensure connectivity to previously unconnected areas as a vital part of its strategy to alleviate poverty.
The Indian government is striving to establish consistent technical and management benchmarks and enhance policy formulation and planning at the state level to guarantee sustainable oversight of the rural road infrastructure.
Recent data from state governments, gathered through a survey identifying the Core Network under PMGSY, indicates that approximately 1.67 lakh unconnected habitations qualify for inclusion in the program.
This includes the construction of around 3.71 lakh km of roads for new connectivity and 3.68 lakh km for upgrades.
The aim of this flagship national initiative is to plan, finance, build, and maintain rural roads across the country, providing an all-weather road with essential culverts and other drainage structures, ensuring year-round operability for eligible unconnected habitations as per PMGSY guidelines.
Point of View
The extension of the PMGSY-I timeline by Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is a pivotal move for Jammu and Kashmir. It not only reflects the government's dedication to improving rural infrastructure but also demonstrates a proactive approach towards poverty alleviation in the region. This initiative is vital for connecting unserved areas and enhancing the quality of life for many.
NationPress
7 Jul 2026
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PMGSY-I?
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-I (PMGSY-I) is a government initiative aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas.
Why was the timeline for PMGSY-I extended?
The timeline was extended to facilitate the completion of essential rural road projects, ensuring better connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir.
What is the financial package announced for Jammu and Kashmir?
A package of Rs 4,224.23 crore has been sanctioned for 316 road projects in Jammu and Kashmir under PMGSY for the fiscal year 2025-2026.
How many unconnected habitations are eligible under PMGSY?
Approximately 1.67 lakh unconnected habitations are eligible for coverage under the PMGSY program.
What is the goal of the PMGSY program?
The goal of the PMGSY program is to plan, fund, construct, and maintain rural roads, providing connectivity to unconnected areas as part of a poverty reduction strategy.
