Srinagar, Jul 24 (KNO): The Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has said that 100 road projects with a total approved cost of Rs 1,957.03 crore are currently ongoing in Jammu and Kashmir under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme.
As per the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), in a written reply to Lok Sabha on Thursday, Minister Nitin Gadkari said the government has so far released Rs 2,827.94 crore for roads and 50.62 crore for bridges under the scheme in Jammu and Kashmir till the financial year 2024–25.
The CRIF scheme provides funding for development and maintenance of state roads and is implemented based on proposals received from the state or Union Territory governments, outstanding liabilities of earlier projects, unspent funds from previous years, and annual accruals under the scheme.
According to district-wise data shared in the Parliament, Doda district has the highest number of ongoing CRIF-funded road works at 18, followed by Rajouri (9), and Kishtwar (8). Jammu and Kathua districts have 7 projects each. Srinagar has 6 ongoing works, while districts such as Bandipora, Kupwara, Anantnag, and Baramulla also feature in the list.
District-wise cost details show the highest allocation in Jammu district at 320.85 crore, followed by Doda at 267.29 crore, and Rajouri at 178.02 crore.
In response to a specific query by MP Jugal Kishore, the Ministry informed that roads in Jakhu, Arnia, Majua, Nandpur, Ala and Dumlad in Jammu and Kashmir are not covered under the CRIF scheme. The Ministry stated that project selection is based on proposals submitted by the UT government and available budgetary allocations.
The reply also said that projects under CRIF are finalised as per the priority list from state authorities and subject to the availability of funds—(KNO)