Srinagar | WTNS | Sep 25: The Government of India has approved construction of 65 bridges in Jammu & Kashmir under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), an ambitious rural road connectivity programme launched in 2000.

In a significant development, the Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved construction of 65 bridges during the empowered committee meeting held on September 5, 2023 to discuss the project proposals of bridges submitted by Union Territory of J&K under PMGSY-III for 2023-24. “Subject to compliance of the observations/ recommendations, the empowered committee approved the instant proposal of Jammu & Kashmir,” reads a record note of the meeting, a copy of which is in possession of news agency. The record note of the meeting was sent to authorities on October 4, 2023 by the Road Connectivity Division of Union Rural Development Ministry.

The project proposals involve financial outlay of Rs 367.56 crore, of which Rs 330.80 crore is central share and Rs 36.75 crore UT share.

Under the PMGSY-III, Jammu & Kashmir has been allocated a target road length of 1750 kilometers, out of which 1672 kilometers were already sanctioned earlier this year.

The proposal of 65 bridges of 3625. 80 metre length was within the remaining allocation for J&K UT under PMGSY-III.