Jammu: Foundation stones were laid on Saturday for 110 rural road projects worth ₹1,503.53 crore across five districts of Jammu division under the first batch of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV for 2026-27.
The roads will cover 598.455 kilometres across Kathua, Udhampur, Ramban, Doda and Kishtwar districts. The project package is expected to benefit 46,972 people by extending all-weather connectivity to remote and difficult habitations in the hilly region.
Union Minister of State Jitendra Singh launched the works and called for strict adherence to timelines and quality standards. Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary and legislators representing areas covered by the package also participated in the programme.
Udhampur has the largest share, with 44 roads extending over 235.040 kilometres at a sanctioned cost of about ₹554.90 crore. Kathua will receive 24 roads covering 128.925 kilometres at a cost of approximately ₹307.12 crore.
Doda has been allocated 13 roads measuring 90.180 kilometres with a sanctioned cost of around ₹260.66 crore. Ramban will receive 13 projects covering 60.360 kilometres at a cost of approximately ₹154.97 crore. The remaining works are located in Kishtwar district.
The package is aimed at villages where difficult terrain and seasonal weather continue to affect access to schools, health facilities, markets and administrative services. All-weather roads can reduce travel time for residents and improve the movement of ambulances, public transport, essential supplies and agricultural produce.
Schoolchildren, senior citizens and women in remote settlements are expected to be among the main beneficiaries. In many hilly areas, damaged or inadequate roads can interrupt daily travel during rain and snow, limiting access to workplaces and essential public services.
The roads also carry a security dimension because improved connectivity can support faster movement in remote areas and strengthen the reach of civil administration. The benefit, however, will depend on timely construction, proper drainage, slope protection and maintenance suited to the geology and weather of each location.
Legislators raised issues relating to forest clearances and defaults by contractors during the programme. The Union Minister and Deputy Chief Minister said these matters would be taken up so that avoidable procedural and execution delays do not hold back the projects.
PMGSY was created to provide dependable road access to unconnected rural habitations. Its fourth phase focuses on remaining eligible settlements and places where connectivity gaps continue despite earlier rounds of construction.
For the Jammu region, the latest package is notable for combining a large number of individual roads across a wide mountainous area. Coordinating clearances, contractors, material movement and seasonal construction windows will be critical to completing the works within their approved schedules.
The next stage will involve ground-level execution and monitoring in each district. Regular quality inspections and public disclosure of progress will be important to ensure that the sanctioned investment produces durable roads and reliable last-mile connectivity.
