Shakti Raj Parihar, MLA for Doda West, laid the foundation stone for a 5-km road connecting KM 6 Gangalwar with Sarsi Part-I and Gigrota in Khellani block of Doda district. The project has been sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV, Batch-I, at a cost of Rs. 137.7 mn.

The road is intended to improve connectivity for residents of Khellani and adjoining habitations. The project is expected to provide better access to essential services and support movement between remote settlements and nearby centres.

Local residents attended the foundation stone-laying ceremony in large numbers and welcomed the start of the long-awaited work. They highlighted the importance of a reliable road link for daily travel, access to markets and the movement of goods and services in the area.

Parihar said improved road infrastructure was important for connecting remote communities with education, healthcare, markets and other essential facilities. He linked better connectivity with wider socio-economic development and greater convenience for people living in the region.

The foundation stone marks the start of execution of the infrastructure project. Residents expressed gratitude for the sanctioned road and urged the authorities to complete the work within the scheduled timeframe while maintaining the required construction and quality standards. The project is expected to strengthen connectivity across the identified route and benefit communities located along and near the road corridor.