UDHAMPUR, May 4, 2026 : Highlighting the Centre’s push for inclusive development, Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh stated that Udhampur has emerged as one of India’s top three performing districts under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), reflecting sustained focus on connectivity in remote and far-flung regions of Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking on the sidelines of a public durbar, Dr. Singh credited the leadership of Narendra Modi for prioritising infrastructure development in hilly and previously neglected areas since 2014. He noted that the Udhampur–Kathua–Doda parliamentary constituency has received significant attention due to its challenging terrain and strategic importance.
The Minister announced that long-awaited infrastructure projects are nearing completion. An airport in Udhampur, a long-pending public demand, is expected to become operational soon. Additionally, an upcoming expressway corridor connecting Katra to Delhi via Amritsar is likely to be functional within six months, potentially reducing travel time to the national capital to nearly six hours.
Further enhancing connectivity, the introduction of a Vande Bharat Express stop at Udhampur is expected to cut travel time to Srinagar to just three to four hours, offering faster and more efficient travel options for residents.
Dr. Singh also reviewed preparations for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra, scheduled to begin on July 3, and was informed that all arrangements are in place. To improve facilities for pilgrims, he announced the establishment of a Yatri Transit Camp near the historic Narsinghdev Temple, funded through his MPLAD resources.
As part of his continued outreach, the Minister held a Public Durbar at Barmeen village in the Chenani Assembly segment, where he interacted directly with residents and addressed multiple grievances on the spot. The initiative is part of a broader effort to ensure grassroots-level governance across the constituency.
Reiterating the government’s commitment, Dr. Singh revealed that out of ₹3,566 crore allocated under PMGSY in Jammu and Kashmir, ₹1,524 crore—around 43%—has been earmarked for the Udhampur–Kathua–Doda region, underlining a decade-long focus on strengthening rural road infrastructure.
He also addressed developmental demands, including the proposed establishment of a Kendriya Vidyalaya in Ghordi, for which the administration has been tasked with identifying suitable land before forwarding the proposal for approval.
Emphasising responsive governance, Dr. Singh stressed the need for continuous engagement between authorities and citizens, assuring timely resolution of public concerns. He reiterated his commitment to holding regular public durbars to ensure that voices from even the remotest regions are heard and acted upon.
