UDHAMPUR, Oct 26: In a major push to improve rural connectivity in Jammu and Kashmir’s Udhampur district, Chenani-Ghordi MLA Balwant Singh Mankotia on Monday kick-started construction work on five road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) in Latti and Chenani blocks.
The projects, with a combined sanctioned cost of ₹62.87 crore, are aimed at improving road connectivity in remote and hilly areas of the Chenani-Ghordi Assembly Constituency, facilitating transportation and providing better access to essential services.
The five projects include Dhoona Upper to Gali Thair Tandar road in Latti, sanctioned at ₹13.22 crore for a stretch of 5.71 km; Mantalai to Sira Km 10th to Seri road in Chenani, costing ₹19.996 crore and spanning 7.35 km; Bari to Chumpru Padder road in Latti, worth ₹13.29 crore over 5.772 km; Mantalai to Sira Km 4th to Lothad road in Chenani, sanctioned at ₹11.49 crore for 4.65 km; and Mantalai-Sira Road Km 8th to Karpalt road in Chenani, costing ₹4.88 crore for a stretch of 2 km.
Speaking on the occasion, Mankotia thanked the Central Government, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, for prioritising rural connectivity and infrastructure development, particularly in the remote and hilly areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
He also expressed gratitude to Union Minister of State in the Prime Minister’s Office and local Member of Parliament Dr Jitendra Singh for his continued support in strengthening developmental infrastructure in the constituency.
Local residents welcomed Mankotia and appreciated the commencement of the projects, describing improved road connectivity as a long-pending demand in their areas.
Former District Development Council (DDC) members, former Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) representatives, prominent citizens and residents of the concerned areas attended the event.
The completion of the roads is expected to improve access to essential services, ease the movement of people and goods, and support socio-economic development in the constituency’s far-flung areas.
