How massive infrastructure push reshaped J&K’s socio-economic landscape over past decade
New Delhi, Aug 5 (IANS) Over the past decade, socio-economic growth, infrastructure expansion, and improved governance have redefined life and opportunities in Jammu and Kashmir, where “massive” socio-economic development, sustained infrastructure investments, and policy initiatives have transformed everyday life, and improved connectivity and governance continue to drive peace and economic growth, according to a report.
“This shift, however, did not happen overnight, though the abrogation of Article 370 played a defining role in this amazing transformation that has changed the lives of people in Jammu & Kashmir,” stated the report on a Nepal news website.
“The government of India ensured sustained public investment, improved and strengthened people-centric governance and created infrastructure that catalysed growth. Equally important, the people of the region embraced and supported these efforts, moving beyond the decades of conflict, uncertainty and instability to build a better future,” it said.
Once an energy-deficient region, reliable power supply has now changed people’s lives, boosting local tourism and industrial activities, it observed, adding that over 16,799 households have rooftop solar facilities, thus ensuring “seamless power and reduced expenditure on electricity”.
Those who cannot afford electricity are provided with free 200 units per month, while farmers have received solar-powered irrigation pumps under government schemes.
“Jammu and Kashmir has received higher electricity support from the government of India if the tariff subsidy and related fund allocation to different states in the country are compared,” it added.
The report quotes facts and data supporting the improvement in economic and human development in the region over the past decade. Per capita income in the Union Territory, according to the article, has increased to Rs 1,68,243 in 2025-26, a rise of 170 percent over the past decade.
It finds it astonishing that income growth in Jammu and Kashmir was 8.81 per cent between 2019-20 and 2024-25 – higher than that of several “major” Indian states.
“And today, the region is no longer dependent on agriculture with a major share of its economy now coming from the services sector,” the report says.
Health indicators too have shown significant progress over the years, as life expectancy in Jammu and Kashmir has increased to 74.3 years, which is among the top three in India. Infant and neonatal mortality have decreased sharply while institutional deliveries, immunisation, and the sex ratio have improved.
“The region is steadily rewriting its development story, strongly supported by the government of India. Improved infrastructure, stronger welfare delivery, better human development and expanding economic opportunities are clear and vibrant indicators of how life in Jammu & Kashmir has changed and is marching towards building the foundation for prosperity and lasting peace,” opines the article.
The report traces the beginning of this transformation “sown way back in 2015”, when the Centre sanctioned a Rs 800-million-package to the state, “causing a massive infrastructure push”.
The report notes that several highways were built or upgraded, with tunnels constructed through difficult terrain that are regarded as engineering marvels.
Moreover, the development of a robust rural road network reduced travel time and generated employment opportunities by connecting remote areas to markets.
Infrastructure development has become “the most visible symbol of change in the Kashmir region, as the construction of a strong network of transport has bridged the gap between the mountainous terrain of Kashmir and the rest of India”.
The Chenab railway bridge, the world’s highest railway arch bridge, and the 324-km long Jammu-Baramulla rail line have played a transformative role by fundamentally altering the social and economic geography of Jammu and Kashmir.
The region is steadily rewriting its development story, which is strongly supported by the government of India, added the report.
–IANS
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