Bhupinder Kumar reviews implementation of PMGSY in J&K

Jammu : Secretary Public Works Department (R&B), Bhupinder Kumar, today convened a meeting to review implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Jammu and Kashmir. The meeting was attended by Chief Engineer PMGSY Jammu and Kashmir, Superintendent Engineers besides Executive Engineers of all 28 PIUs, both in person and through virtual mode.
A detailed presentation on implementation of the programme was given by both the Chief Engineers. It was informed in the meeting that unconnected habitations with 250+ population in J&K, as per 2001 census, envisaged to be connected through all weather roads under this programme.
In J&K, 2140 rural habitations were found eligible to be connected under this scheme for which Union Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned 3453 projects (including 239 long span bridges) under PMGSY-I and II for construction of 19049 Km road length at an estimated cost of Rs.12565 crore.
Moreover, 276 projects (including 65 long span bridges) have also been sanctioned under PMGSY-III for upgradation of 1617 Km length at an estimated cost of Rs.2093.00 crore. Despite adverse working conditions, J&K has achieved 98.50 per cent of the sanctioned programme with 2108 habitations have been connected upto 31-12-2023 and remaining 32 habitations have been targeted to be connected by March 2024. Besides, 17985.10 km road length has been constructed under the scheme against the sanctioned programme.
Under PMGSY-III, 490.91 Km road length has been upgraded and completed upto 31.12.23 against the sanctioned length of 1617 Km and the work on other projects is targeted for completion by March, 2025.Secretary issued directions to Chief Engineers to monitor the progress and put up an action plan for completion of PMGSY-I and II as per the sunset date i.e 31st March, 2024.
The road and bridge projects which have been held up due to land acquisition/court cases/contractual issues be followed scrupulously so that issues are resolved for early completion of works. Secretary asked for initiating action against the contractor who are delaying the works as per the contract agreement. He directed the Chief Engineers to monitor all ongoing works on weekly basis and submit report to the administrative department accordingly.
Referring to PMGSY-III, Secretary asked the concerned for completion of tendering process for the batches sanctioned by MoRD, GoI besides initiating work to avoid last minute rush in completion of the projects. He also asked for strict monitoring of maintenance work on the roads which are within DLP as per the agreement so that the good pavement condition of the road is maintained to facilitate the commuters.
Secretary directed the officers to complete the Stage-I work to provide connectivity to the remaining habitations of the sanctioned programme. He also exhorted upon all the officers of the department to strictly observe the quality standards during execution of works as per the guidelines.