Govt Committed to All-Weather Road Connectivity, Says Deputy CM | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Choudhary on Thursday stated that the Jammu and Kashmir government is committed to providing robust road connectivity to every habitation across the Union Territory.

Speaking in the Legislative Assembly in response to a question from legislator Javid Hassan Baig, Choudhary said that road development is being carried out through a structured and phased approach under flagship schemes such as PMGSY, CRIF, NABARD (RIDF), and UT Capex, in line with the JK Road Policy-2021. He added that the planning, sanctioning, and execution of projects under these schemes are time-bound and regularly monitored to ensure timely completion and delivery of safe, durable, all-weather roads.

The Deputy Chief Minister noted that, in compliance with Supreme Court directions, the Public Works (R and B) Department is undertaking construction, upgradation, and systematic maintenance of road infrastructure under both Central Sector Schemes (CSS) and UT sector schemes. Roads are being designed and executed as per Indian Roads Congress (IRC) standards, incorporating safety measures such as crash barriers, signage, road furniture, identification of accident-prone locations, and mandatory maintenance during and after construction.

Choudhary further highlighted that special emphasis is being placed on connecting remote, hilly, and inaccessible areas to ensure equitable development. The Directorate of Investigation and Quality Control (DIQC) of the PWD (R and B) is tasked with ensuring planning excellence, technical soundness, and uncompromising quality in road and bridge infrastructure. The DIQC is also responsible for technical vetting, quality assurance, and compliance with prescribed standards, ensuring that road infrastructure in JK remains safe, durable, reliable, and functional in all seasons, thereby supporting economic activity, social inclusion, and regional integration.