Rs 4,000 crore earmarked for state-wide road upgradation: Altaf Bukhari

JAMMU: The Jammu and Kashmir government has said that Rs 4,000 crore has been earmarked for state-wide road upgradation programme during the current fiscal.

Minister for Public Works, Floriculture and Parks and Gardens, Syed Mohammad Altaf Bukhari, who hoisted the National Flag on the occasion of 69th Independence Day at Poonch, said Rs 6,000 crore has been approved by the Centre for taking forward the centrally-sponsored schemes in road sector started in the state.

"Rs 4,000 crore is earmarked for state-wide road upgradation programme in the state for current fiscal," he said.

The Minister said that in last year's floods, the roads sector witnessed massive devastation and the restoration and reconstruction programme started by the government across the state will improve the services to a great extent.

Regarding the dilapidated condition of the roads of Poonch, he said that 100 km have been targeted to be upgraded and macadamized during this financial year.

He said BRO has been asked either to ensure proper maintenance and up-gradation of roads of the district being handled by them else the R&B department will take over the roads for further maintenance and development.

The Minister in his address called for maintaining communal harmony, taking forward developmental programmes in peaceful atmosphere and providing accountable and transparent administration to the people.

He said the plans framed for the district will change developmental scenario besides improving socio-economic condition of the people.

The Minister said that several unique decisions were taken by the PDP-BJP coalition government immediately after assuming office which includes earmarking separate budget for power sector aimed at ensuring proper utilisation of energy resources available in the state.

Bukhari said the second phase of Baglihar Hydel power project is to be commissioned soon which will add more than 450 MW of electricity and will help government to overcome energy deficit in the state.

He said the scheme 'Mera Gaon, Mera Jahaan' started by Rural Development Department in the state will definitely bridge the development gap in rural areas.

The Minister said that process of upgrading schools into Model Schools has been started across the state and is aimed at making available modern facilities for the students while two engineering colleges are being set up in Jammu and Srinagar apart from establishing medical colleges at Rajouri, Kathua, Baramulla and Anantnag.