Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led government has again opened purse strings for the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development has approved ₹₹3,550 crore project for road connectivity in the union territory. Under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), 330 all-weather roads will be constructed across 363 remote and far-flung villages. People who once had to walk four to five hours can now have access to motorable connectivity near their homes. This marks a significant shift in infrastructure development from trunk routes to rural habitations. Under PMGSY, Jammu and Kashmir has witnessed the construction of 3,328 roads and 257 bridges. Building on this progress, PMGSY-IV, Batch-II will further accelerate. The initiative reflects the government’s commitment to moving beyond announcements and delivering tangible development on the ground. The new project comes a month after the Centre approved additional assistance of Rs 5000 crore for Jammu and Kashmir. The assistance will alleviate budgetary constraints, guarantee on-schedule project delivery, and drive J&K’s robust economic growth by bolstering infrastructure and creating lasting opportunities for sustained prosperity. The funding will also ensure the developmental commitments and welfare programmes of the government. The funding is over and above the budgetary allocations for FY27. During her budget speech, Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman proposed Rs 43290.29 crore for the Union Territory, which is Rs 2000 crore more than the FY26 allocation. J&K’s assistance was revised to Rs 41340 crore, up from Rs 41000.07 crore, marking an increase of Rs 340 crore. If it was not enough, the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs approved the expansion of Srinagar International Airport at an estimated cost of Rs. 1,677 crore. It will mark a major milestone in strengthening aviation infrastructure and connectivity in the Kashmir Valley. Spread over 73.18 acres, the new Civil Enclave project will feature a state-of-the-art terminal building spanning 71,500 square meters (including 20,659 square meters of existing structure), designed to serve 2,900 passengers during peak hours and an annual capacity of 10 million passengers per annum. The expanded apron will accommodate 15 aircraft parking bays, including one widebody (Code E). Prime Minister Modi-led government has been generous to Jammu and Kashmir. Funds have never been a constraint for the UT. From business education and from highways to trains, the central government is leaving no stone unturned to ensure the development of Jammu and Kashmir. The Centre has played its part. The ball is now in the court of the Omar Abdullah government. The time is fast running out; he has to deliver on the ground now. The Omar government also needs to fast-track the recruitment process. This will usher in a new era of peace, prosperity, and development in Jammu and Kashmir.
Centre’s gift
