It’s a well recognized fact that roads buttress development and economy while bridges engulf the economic gaps. In this regard and in a welcome step, 1.08 km long, 2-Lane Ramban viaduct has been completed. Built at a cost of Rs 140 Crore on the Udhampur-Ramban section of Jammu-Srinagar national highway, the viaduct is tipped to ensure the smoother movement of vehicles and relieve the congestion in Ramban Bazar. The construction of 26-span viaduct incorporates various structural arrangements utilizing concrete and steel girders and is expected to facilitate the seamless passage of vehicles and pilgrims traffic during Shri Amarnath Ji Yatra on the highway.
Additionally, another 2-Lane viaduct, running parallel to this structure, is nearing completion and will be opened soon.
In the recent past, the government has approved various projects including Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)—III for Jammu & Kashmir.
The modern rural infrastructure is surely enhancing connectivity and improving the rural economy and ease of living.
While construction projects is good as far as easing the living of the people in far-flung areas is concerned, there is need to ensure these projects are completed with promptness and within reasonable dispatch.
Pertinently, the Government of India launched PMGSY scheme on 25th December, 2000 to provide all-weather access to eligible unconnected habitations with population up to 500 (Census 2001) in plain area and 250 and above in Special category States (States of North East, Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand).
In the year 2013, in order to provide better connectivity to LWE regions, special provision was made to provide connectivity to habitations in the population category of 100-249. Further in the same year, PMGSY-II was launched for upgradation of selected Through Routes and Major Rural Links (MRLs) with a target to upgrade 50,000 km in various states and Union Territories. Subsequently, in the year 2016, Rural Connectivity Projects for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) was launched as separate vertical under PMGSY
The PMGSY-III envisages consolidation of the existing Rural Road Network by upgradation of existing Through Routes and Major Rural Links that connect habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools and hospitals.
The road connectivity will surely facilitate easy and faster movement to and from the food processing centers, agricultural markets and other farmer related enterprises. Such a facility ultimately leads to increased agrarian economy and helps the development of the region, creating multiple opportunities in wage and self employment.
