Khatana Flags Alleged Irregularities in PMGSY Road Projects in J&K During Rajya Sabha Zero Hour
BJP MP calls for audit and third-party inspection of rural road projects, alleges favouritism in infrastructure development.
New Delhi | March 13, 2026 Senior Bharatiya Janata Party leader and Rajya Sabha MP Ghulam Ali Khatana on Friday raised concerns in the Rajya Sabha over alleged irregularities in the construction of rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Jammu and Kashmir.
Speaking during Zero Hour, Khatana drew attention to the deteriorating condition of several roads built under the scheme and called on the central government to conduct a comprehensive audit and quality inspection of PMGSY projects in the Union Territory.
He noted that PMGSY was introduced to ensure all-weather road connectivity to rural habitations across the country, including Jammu and Kashmir. As per information shared in Parliament in February 2026, the Union Territory has received around ₹10,155 crore in central assistance over the past decade under the scheme to improve rural road infrastructure.
However, Khatana alleged that a number of roads constructed under PMGSY have developed potholes, cracks and surface damage within a short period of completion, raising questions about construction quality and monitoring mechanisms. He also pointed out that several stretches lack proper signage, grading standards and timely maintenance, with repairs often remaining only on record.
The MP further alleged that since Omar Abdullah assumed office as Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir in October 2024, the administration has adopted a “pick-and-choose” approach in executing road infrastructure projects.
According to him, development works are allegedly being concentrated in areas considered political strongholds of the ruling party, while tribal belts and remote habitations remain neglected, widening the development gap in the region.
Khatana also raised concerns about what he described as a growing nexus between politicians, contractors and engineers. He claimed that contractors with questionable records are repeatedly being awarded projects, leading to delays, poor construction quality and financial losses to the public exchequer.
He said that during the tenure of the administration led by the Lieutenant Governor, development initiatives were carried out across regions without discrimination.
Urging the Centre to intervene, Khatana called for several measures, including a third-party quality inspection of PMGSY roads, fixing accountability of contractors and implementing agencies responsible for substandard work, and ensuring time-bound repairs and maintenance of damaged or snow-affected roads. He also suggested the creation of an institutional mechanism to appoint alternate contractors if an existing contractor is debarred or fails to complete assigned work.
Emphasizing the importance of reliable road connectivity, Khatana said durable rural infrastructure is critical for improving economic opportunities, accessibility and livelihoods for residents of remote and mountainous areas of Jammu and Kashmir.
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