<span style="color: #222222;">Union Minister Dr. Jitendra Singh today reviewed a record 68 roads completed under Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) at Kathua in Jammu and deferred the formal inauguration due to State mourning observed today as a mark of respect to passing away of UAE President Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed Al-Nahyan.<br />''<br />''Dr Jitendra Singh informed that built at a cost of over Rs 547 crore, all-weather roads measuring up to 526 kilometers are likely to benefit a population of over one lakh 20,000 people, most of them living in far-flung hilly areas. He said, despite serious challenges posed by the Covid19 pandemic, barring a few, all the projects were completed within the stipulated time frame. The Minister also reviewed the completion work of 22 bridges constructed at a cost of Rs.  29.50 crores and the same will also be dedicated to the people soon.<br />''<br />''Dr Jitendra Singh said in the last 7-8 years of the Modi government, the work culture in the country has undergone a sea change and projects are now being cleared on need-based requirements, rather than on any other considerations. He emphasized that in sanctioning new road projects, the priority is given to the views of Sarpanches and other local elected representatives rather than to requests made by local MPs or MLAs.</span><br />