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Business
Jammu & Kashmir Unlikely to Secure New CRIF Road Projects Over Rs 1,210 crore Debt
✍️ Kashmir News Observer
🗓 26 Sep 2026, 11:01 PM
👁 9
The state of Jammu & Kashmir may not receive any fresh Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) road schemes as it still owes the centre about Rs 1,210 crore.
The Ministry of Road Transport and Highways has indicated that Jammu & Kashmir is unlikely to be allocated any new projects under the Central Road Infrastructure Fund (CRIF) until the outstanding liability of roughly Rs 1,210 crore is cleared. The pending amount stems from earlier CRIF allocations that remain unpaid by the state government.
Officials said the central government regularly reviews fund utilisation and pending dues before sanctioning fresh projects. In the case of Jammu & Kashmir, the large arrears have triggered a hold on further disbursements, affecting planned road upgrades and new construction.
The decision could delay several infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity in the region, especially in remote districts that rely heavily on central funding for road development. State authorities are expected to negotiate a repayment schedule to unlock future CRIF assistance.
Stakeholders, including local contractors and transport unions, have expressed concern that the funding freeze may impact employment and logistics in the short term, while urging the state to address the debt promptly.
Officials said the central government regularly reviews fund utilisation and pending dues before sanctioning fresh projects. In the case of Jammu & Kashmir, the large arrears have triggered a hold on further disbursements, affecting planned road upgrades and new construction.
The decision could delay several infrastructure initiatives aimed at improving connectivity in the region, especially in remote districts that rely heavily on central funding for road development. State authorities are expected to negotiate a repayment schedule to unlock future CRIF assistance.
Stakeholders, including local contractors and transport unions, have expressed concern that the funding freeze may impact employment and logistics in the short term, while urging the state to address the debt promptly.