Rajouri

A major road infrastructure project under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana is currently underway in the border areas of Rajouri district, offering long-awaited connectivity to residents of remote villages in the Doongi block.

The project involves the construction of a 13-kilometre road in Panchayat Challas at an estimated cost of Rs 29 crore. Once completed, the road will connect several border panchayats and provide direct access between the three important blocks of Doongi, Qila Darhal and Nowshera, significantly improving transportation in the region.

For several decades, villagers in these areas have relied on a nearly 60-kilometre defence route through Peer Badasar to reach Rajouri town. The route passes through multiple army checkpoints, often resulting in long delays and inconvenience for civilians.

Residents said the new PMGSY road will drastically reduce travel time and ease movement, especially during emergencies. Many described the project as the fulfilment of a long-pending demand that had existed since Independence.

In the absence of proper road infrastructure, villagers were often forced to walk 10 to 15 kilometres to access schools, healthcare facilities and local markets. Locals recalled that inadequate connectivity had, at times, led to medical emergencies turning fatal due to delays in reaching hospitals.

The ongoing construction has generated optimism among the people, who believe improved connectivity will open new opportunities for economic activity, housing development and better access to essential services.

Social activist Mohamad Jameel said the project has brought major relief to residents of the border region, especially during difficult periods marked by security operations and cross-border tensions.

He noted that the new road has connected all five wards of the panchayat, including areas that had remained isolated for years. At the same time, he urged authorities to connect smaller stretches that remain inaccessible and to improve educational and healthcare facilities so residents do not have to depend entirely on Rajouri town.

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Former panchayat sarpanch Chaudhary Mohammad Sadiq also welcomed the development, saying the project has brought immense happiness to local residents and will play an important role in transforming the lives of people living in the border belt.