Jammu, Sep 25: Jammu and Kashmir is unlikely to receive approval for new road projects under the Central Road and Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) scheme in the immediate future, with the Union Ministry of Road Transport and Highways citing outstanding liabilities of around Rs 1,210 crore against an annual fund allocation of just Rs 150 crore.
In a communication, a copy of which lies with the news agency—Kashmir News Observer (KNO), regarding the approval of road projects under CRIF, the Ministry said the existing financial commitments of the Union Territory were substantially higher than its annual fund accrual, making it difficult to take up additional projects.
The Ministry said the finalisation of road projects under the scheme depends on several factors, including the priority list submitted by the government, outstanding liabilities of previously sanctioned projects, the status of completed and finalised works, unspent balances from previous years and the annual availability of funds.
“For the UT of Jammu and Kashmir, the total outstanding liabilities are about Rs 1,210 crore at present, whereas the annual accrual of funds for State Roads under the CRIF Scheme is at the level of about Rs 150 crore,” the communication stated.
It added that, given the substantial gap between the existing liabilities and annual fund availability, it was “extremely difficult” to consider creating additional financial commitments by approving new projects under the scheme.
However, the Ministry has not ruled out fresh approvals altogether, indicating that new road projects could be considered once significant progress is achieved on already committed works and the outstanding liabilities of sanctioned projects are reduced correspondingly.
The latest communication makes the clearance of existing projects and reduction of pending liabilities key factors for J&K to secure fresh road projects under the centrally funded scheme.
The CRIF scheme provides financial assistance for the development and improvement of road infrastructure, with projects taken up based on fund availability and the priorities of the concerned governments.
For Jammu and Kashmir, the current financial position means that the focus will remain on executing previously sanctioned projects and clearing existing commitments before new proposals can be considered. (KNO)
