Rs 3,566 Crore Approved for Rural Road Connectivity in Kashmir Valley: Union Minister | Kashmir Life

SRINAGAR: The Centre has approved over Rs 3,566 crore for improving road connectivity to villages across the Kashmir Valley, Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said on Monday.

Addressing reporters on the first day of his visit to Srinagar, Chouhan said the approved amount of Rs 3,566.09 crore is aimed at linking remote and far-flung rural habitations, adding that development priorities should now extend beyond major highways to village-level connectivity.

He said that while rail connectivity has already reached the region, equal emphasis must be placed on strengthening rural infrastructure so that villages also benefit from development. “Train connectivity has come, but villages should also prosper,” he said.

Describing the initiative as a commitment of the Central government, Chouhan said the package reflects Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for inclusive development. He added that the formal approval documents will be handed over to Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday.

The announcement is part of the Centre’s continued focus on expanding infrastructure in Jammu and Kashmir, where several road, rail, and tunnel projects have been undertaken in recent years.