Cabinet okays Rs 4.4K crore for Punjab, Rajasthan border roads

The Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved a Rs 4,406 crore project to develop 2,280 km of roads in border areas, aimed at connecting villages in Punjab and Rajasthan. Minister for Information and Broadcasting Ashwani Vaishnaw stated that this decision would significantly enhance road and telecom connectivity, improve water supply, healthcare, and education facilities, as well as boost rural livelihoods. The project is expected to ease travel and ensure connectivity between these border areas and the national highway network.

Responding to questions, the minister highlighted that the government is also upgrading border villages along the Line of Actual Control (LAC) with China by providing telecom infrastructure, roads, and other essential amenities.

In addition, the Cabinet has approved a Rs 17,082 crore fully centrally funded scheme for supplying fortified rice to tackle anemia and provide essential micronutrients. This initiative, which will be integrated into government schemes such as the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Anna Yojana (PMGKAY), will begin from July 2024 and run through to December 2028.