Srinagar, April 28, 2026 : Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Omar Abdullah on Tuesday lauded Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, calling him a “true friend and well-wisher” of the Union Territory during a major rural development event at SKICC, Srinagar.
The remarks came as Chouhan launched 330 road projects worth ₹3,550 crore under Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), aiming to build 1,600 km of roads and connect 363 remote habitations across Jammu and Kashmir.
In a warm gesture, Abdullah referred to Chouhan as “mama”—a popular and affectionate nickname he enjoys in Madhya Pradesh—saying, “The people of MP are not wrong in calling you ‘mama’,” while appreciating his continued support for the region.
Highlighting recent progress, Abdullah noted that projects worth ₹8,000 crore have been approved under PMGSY in the past year alone. He assured that work on newly sanctioned projects will begin within the next few months and emphasized responsible and efficient use of funds.
The Chief Minister stressed the transformative power of road connectivity, stating that improved infrastructure enables better access to education, healthcare, employment, and tourism, especially in remote areas.
He reaffirmed that such initiatives will play a key role in achieving the vision of ‘Viksit Jammu and Kashmir’ and ‘Viksit Bharat.’
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan, in his address, reiterated the Centre’s commitment under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to deliver tangible development, ensuring that even the most remote villages are connected and empowered.
