Srinagar, September 28, 2026 : The Jammu and Kashmir Government is actively pursuing the necessary forest and environmental clearances to facilitate the early commencement of the 18.824-km Barnai–Jawdora Link Road under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Deputy Chief Minister Surinder Kumar Choudhary informed the Legislative Assembly while responding to a Calling Attention Notice moved by MLA Nazir Ahmad Khan (Gurezi) regarding the construction of the Jawdora–Barni road.
The project was sanctioned by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, in 2025, at a total estimated cost of ₹4,742.38 lakh (₹47.42 crore). The road is intended to provide all-weather connectivity to Jawdora habitation, improving access to remote and border areas.
According to the government, the project has already been tendered and allotted within the prescribed timelines. The executing agency has mobilised the required manpower and machinery, while a temporary diversion across the Kishanganga River has also been constructed to facilitate the movement of construction resources.
Forest Clearance Key to Construction
The Deputy Chief Minister stated that the entire road alignment passes through forest land, making the requisite forest clearance mandatory before construction can begin.
The government said the Project Implementation Unit (PIU), Bandipora, had initiated the clearance process in advance. Joint inspections of the proposed alignment have been conducted by the PIU and the Forest Department.
The PIU is also coordinating with the Geology & Mining Department for geological analysis and the Revenue Department for identifying suitable disposal sites for earthwork and muck generated during construction.
Once the required information regarding tree enumeration and forest land is received, the proposal will be submitted on the PARIVESH portal. Work is expected to commence after the necessary forest clearance is secured.
The government reiterated its commitment to speeding up road infrastructure projects while complying with statutory and environmental requirements, with a particular focus on improving all-weather connectivity to remote and border habitations across Jammu and Kashmir.
