J&K to ask Centre for Rs 582 cr for infrastructure projects

Srinagar, May 30: The Jammu and Kashmir government would seek funds of Rs 568.92 crore from the Centre towards completion of ongoing projects in the Roads and Buildings sector in the state.

The decision to apply for central aid under the State Plan Assistance (SPA) scheme was taken at a high-level meeting on Wednesday, chaired by Roads and Buildings minister Abdul Majid Wani.

The Planning Commission has introduced SPA as a scheme of funding for states in order to achieve time-bound completion of ongoing schemes.

Terming Roads and Buildings an important sector, the minister said the government has embarked upon a plan to build more alternative road links.

"These links will remove congestion in urban areas and provide adequate road connectivity for the rural populace," he said.

He said 90 per cent work on the prestigious Mughal Road project, which will provide an alternative link between Kashmir valley and the rest of the country, has been completed while work on some vital bridges was ongoing.

PTI