Asif Iqbal Naik
Kishtwar, Dec 31: In a significant move aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure in the mountainous and remote areas of Kishtwar, as many as thirty-five road projects have been proposed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY–MP-I) for the year 2025–26. The proposals, pertaining exclusively to Kishtwar Assembly Constituency, have been taken forward following sustained efforts and close monitoring by MLA Kishtwar, Shagun Parihar, who has consistently raised the issue of road connectivity at various administrative and political levels.
As per official documents, the road proposals were forwarded through Member of Parliament from Udhampur Lok Sabha constituency, Dr. Jitendra Singh. All the proposed roads fall under the PMGSY Core Network, making them eligible for sanction and funding, and highlighting their strategic importance for all-weather connectivity in the district.
The proposed projects cover far-flung villages and interior habitations including Atholi, Palali, Machail, Shagami, Gulabgarh, Chatroo, Bhatkoot, Haddar, Kundmohalla, Chamoti, Shandri, Marwari, Dranji, Kalchanda, Khaloru, Bhagnan, Dunadi, Patnazi, Bhandarkoot, Dangdoro and Kulna. These areas have long faced difficulties due to poor road access, especially during winters and emergency situations.
Officials associated with PMGSY stated that once sanctioned and executed, these roads are expected to substantially reduce travel time, improve access to healthcare and education facilities, facilitate transportation of agricultural and horticultural produce and strengthen disaster response mechanisms in this ecologically sensitive region.
Sources in the administration confirmed that MLA Shagun Parihar has been regularly engaging with district officials and PMGSY engineers to ensure that public demands from remote villages are incorporated into formal proposals. Her focus, sources added, has remained on balanced development and connecting the last-mile habitations that have remained neglected for decades.
Meanwhile, parallel efforts are also underway in the Padder–Nagsini Assembly Constituency, which is outside the jurisdiction of Kishtwar segment. The constituency is represented by Leader of Opposition, Sunil Sharma, who has been actively pursuing road connectivity and infrastructure development for the Padder and Nagsini belts through his own initiatives and coordination with the concerned authorities.
Political observers noted that the constituency-wise approach adopted in forwarding PMGSY proposals ensures clarity, prevents overlap and helps address region-specific challenges in a focused manner. Once approved at the higher levels, the proposed road projects are expected to play a transformative role in improving mobility, boosting local economy and enhancing the overall quality of life for residents of Kishtwar.
The proposals have been duly signed by the Executive Engineer, PMGSY Division Kishtwar, and forwarded to the competent authorities for further examination and approval.
