Jammu, November 8
The state government has embarked on a major road development programme with the assistance of Nabard and the Central government.
Four major roads projects, two each in Jammu and the valley, have been sanctioned for central financing.
According to Mr Ali Mohammad Sagar, Minister for Roads and buildings, 26 road development projects have been submitted for central funding. He said 14 projects were under execution under the central road fund programme.
Government reports have revealed that the Nabard had played a vital role in road development programme in the militancy troubled Jammu and Kashmir and out of 181 schemes more than 157 projects had been completed under the Nabard programme. All these schemes are estimated to cost over Rs 150 crore. The cumulative expenditure increased on Nabard schemes so far is Rs 40 crore, out of which Rs 10 crore had been spent during the current financial year.
Once all 187 schemes under the Nabard programme are completed there would be discernible change in the road development scenario in Jammu, Kathua, Poonch, Rajouri, Udhampur and Doda districts. In addition to the Nabard programme, the state government has earmarked Rs 21.26 crore for road upgradation in Jammu province during the current financial year.
In spite of the financial difficulties, the state government had to fulfil its commitment of rebuilding bridge which had been destroyed by the militants during the past 10 years. And since 1996, when the National Conference came to the power, 54 new bridges have been constructed in Jammu region besides completion of 31 road projects. In addition to this, several hundred buildings, which had been torched by the militants, were rebuilt.
