Diplomat Correspondent
Jammu,(DD): The Jammu and Kashmir government has sanctioned 194 road and bridge projects across the Union Territory under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF), with an estimated cost of Rs 1022.63 crore.
In response to a query by MLA Dr. Sajad Shafi, the minister in charge informed the Legislative Assembly that these projects aim to strengthen rural connectivity and improve infrastructure. Among them, Baramulla district has received approval for 10 infrastructure projects worth Rs 50.43 crore under RIDF-XXIX in the last two years.
For the Uri constituency, two road projects have been sanctioned under the same scheme at an estimated cost of Rs 6.45 crore. These projects are expected to enhance connectivity in the remote border region, addressing long-standing infrastructure gaps.
Funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (NABARD), the RIDF initiative is a key driver of rural development in J&K. The latest approvals are part of the government’s broader push to accelerate road and bridge construction, particularly in remote and hilly areas, to boost accessibility and economic growth.
Local representatives have welcomed the funding but emphasized the need for timely execution to ensure that these critical projects benefit communities without unnecessary delays.(DD)