Jammu’s rural heartland just got a massive boost with the Rural Development Ministry approving 110 road projects worth ₹2,000 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase 4 (PMGSY-4). Announced today, September 22, 2025, the plan will connect 178 remote habitations across Udhampur, Kathua, and Doda districts, making it easier for folks to reach markets, schools, and clinics. Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan called it a “step toward real progress,” saying these roads will bring rural Jammu closer to the rest of India. “Farmers won’t lose crops, kids won’t miss school, and families won’t feel cut off,” Chouhan said in a Delhi presser.
The timing couldn’t be better. August’s heavy rains left rural roads in shambles, with landslides and floods turning paths into mud traps. In Udhampur’s hilly blocks like Chenani, villagers have been walking hours for basics. Kathua’s border areas struggle with delayed supplies, while Doda’s valleys, like Bhaderwah, get isolated every monsoon. These new roads, spanning over 1,000 kilometers, will be all-weather, built with local stone to keep costs down and jobs in the community. Chouhan emphasized that PMGSY-4 targets the most far-flung spots, those small hamlets often forgotten in big plans.
This move ties into the broader goal of self-reliance, boosting village economies by cutting transport costs. Farmers in Doda can get apples to Jammu city faster, while Kathua’s traders can reach Punjab markets without detours. The projects will also spark jobs, hiring local laborers for construction. “We’re using tech like geo-tagging to track every step, ensuring quality and speed,” Chouhan added, addressing past gripes about slow work in tough terrain. Local MP Jugal Kishore Sharma, who lobbied hard for the funds, called it a “new dawn for our hills.” He said tenders will open next month, with work kicking off by Diwali.
For Udhampur, roads will link villages like Mantali, hit hard by floods. Kathua’s Basholi and Bani areas get upgrades, aiding both locals and border security. Doda’s Gandoh tehsil, often cut off, will see new paths to highways. Sharma noted that recent site visits ensured routes dodge flood-prone spots. Earlier PMGSY phases built thousands of kilometers here, but Phase 4 stands out with climate-smart designs, like better drains to handle rains. Tree planting along routes will fight erosion, a nod to green goals.
Challenges are real – Doda’s hills make building tricky, and Kathua needs security nods. But the ministry’s ready with phased funding and expert crews. For villagers, it’s a lifeline – no more missing doctor visits or markets. Social media’s abuzz with #Udhampur, #Kathua, and #Doda, with locals hopeful but watching for results. This isn’t just about roads; it’s about keeping rural Jammu connected and thriving. Keep tabs on tender updates and join the push with #PMGSY4.