MLA Jasrotia inaugurates first-ever Faral–Chafadeyan road since independence

• Inaugurates macadamization work on PMGSY link road to Mohalla Shaheed Chaggar Link at Jakhole, assures time-bound grievance redressal at Public Darbar

JASROTA: In a major step towards strengthening rural infrastructure and improving connectivity in far-flung areas, Rajiv Jasrotia today inaugurated the construction of a crucial link road from Faral to Chafadeyan via Bhourth in Jasrota constituency. The 3-kilometre-long road project, being developed at an estimated cost of Rs 80 lakh, marks a historic milestone as it is the first road to be constructed in the area since Independence.

The project will be executed by the Public Works Department (R&B) Division Kathua under the UT Capex Budget 2025–26. Once completed, the road is expected to significantly enhance connectivity for several remote villages, reducing travel time, facilitating easier movement of goods and services, and providing better access to essential services such as healthcare and education.

Locals described the initiative as a long-awaited development, stating that the absence of proper road connectivity had posed serious challenges for decades, particularly during medical emergencies and adverse weather conditions. The new road is anticipated to not only ease daily commuting but also unlock economic opportunities by linking rural pockets with nearby markets.

On the same occasion, the MLA also inaugurated macadamization work on the PMGSY Link Road to Mohalla Shaheed Chaggar Link at Jakhole. The project, undertaken under the Cities and Towns (C&T) Sector Capex Budget 2025–26, has been sanctioned at a cost of Rs 15 lakh and aims to improve road surface quality, ensuring smoother and safer transportation for residents.

Addressing the gathering, Jasrotia reiterated the government’s firm commitment to holistic and inclusive development. He emphasized that infrastructure development, particularly road connectivity, is the backbone of progress and plays a pivotal role in transforming the socio-economic landscape of rural areas. He added that better roads not only ensure seamless mobility but also strengthen access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

Highlighting the significance of the Faral–Chafadeyan road, he said that the project fulfills a long-pending demand of the people and reflects the administration’s resolve to bridge developmental disparities in neglected regions. He assured that similar initiatives will continue to be prioritized to uplift rural communities.

Later, the MLA held a Public Darbar at Faral, providing a platform for direct interaction between the administration and the people. Residents actively participated, raising issues related to basic amenities and local development. Officials from various departments, including PWD, PDD, PHE, REW, PMGSY, Revenue, Police, Food & Supplies, Flood Control, Irrigation, Agriculture, and Rural Development, were present to address grievances and ensure prompt redressal.

The public darbar witnessed enthusiastic participation, with locals appreciating the government’s outreach efforts and the opportunity to have their concerns heard directly. Several issues were resolved on the spot, while others were taken up for time-bound action. During his address, Jasrotia emphasized that the inaugurated projects symbolize the government’s focus on last-mile connectivity and inclusive growth.

Jasrotia assured the public that all genuine demands would be addressed in a transparent and time-bound manner. Urging officials to work with dedication and accountability, he stressed the importance of responsive governance. He further reiterated that such public darbars will continue to be organized regularly to strengthen communication between the administration and the people, ensuring that governance remains accessible, participatory, and effective.

Prominent among those present on the occasion included Mandal Pradhan Jasrota & Sarpanch Balwant Singh , Sarpanch Shiv Dev , Randeep Singh Pappi , Bhavishan Sharma , Panch Vinod Kumar , Sanjay , Sunit Singh , Chaggar Singh , Gandharb Singh , Bhajan Singh , Kawla Singh , Chain Singh , Karan Singh , Raghubir , Shibu , Vijay besides others.