Jugal, Slathia describe PMGSY game changer for rural connectivity; launch Rs 2716.2 lakh road project in Samba
STATE TIMES NEWS
SAMBA: Member of Parliament Jugal Kishore Sharma and MLA Surjeet Singh Slathia on Friday described the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) as a game changer for strengthening road infrastructure, particularly in rural and border areas, stating that the centrally sponsored scheme has immense potential to transform connectivity in the Union Territory of Jammu and Kashmir.
The leaders jointly kick-started the construction of an 11-kilometre road from Village Sodam to Sanur via Mansoor in Samba constituency. The project, being executed under PMGSY at an estimated cost of Rs 2716.2 lakh, aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to several villages that have remained underserved for decades.
Addressing a gathering of local residents and officials, MP Jugal Kishore Sharma said that PMGSY has brought a paradigm shift in rural development by ensuring reliable and durable road connectivity to remote habitations. He emphasized that roads are not merely means of transportation but the backbone of economic growth, social integration and access to essential services such as healthcare, education and markets.
“Under the visionary leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, development has been given a new direction. PMGSY has emerged as one of the most impactful schemes, especially in regions like Jammu and Kashmir, where challenging terrain has historically hindered connectivity,” Sharma said.
Speaking on the occasion, Slathia said improved road infrastructure has significantly enhanced access to healthcare, education, employment opportunities and markets. He highlighted that the Central Government has made unprecedented investments in infrastructure development in Jammu and Kashmir over the past decade, particularly after 2019, ensuring that development reaches the grassroots level.
Slathia said PMGSY has transformed the rural landscape by connecting villages that were earlier cut off during adverse weather conditions. “This road will provide a major boost to socio-economic activity in the area. Farmers, students, traders and daily commuters will be the biggest beneficiaries,” he added.
Reiterating the BJP government’s commitment to balanced and inclusive development, Slathia said border districts like Samba are receiving focused attention to strengthen last-mile connectivity and improve the quality of life in rural areas.
Both leaders stressed that youth employment, local economy and public convenience remain central to the development agenda. Improved road connectivity, they said, would facilitate faster movement of goods and services, reduce travel time and enhance safety, particularly for schoolchildren and patients.
Local residents welcomed the launch of the project and expressed optimism that the long-pending demand for a proper road would finally be fulfilled. Officials from the executing agency assured timely completion of the work while maintaining prescribed quality standards.
