Indian born British politician Alok Sharma has rightly opined that “infrastructure is the backbone of economic growth. It improves access to basic services such as clean water and electricity, creates jobs and boosts business,” and this is exactly what’s happening in J&K. It's heartening to see that despite the humongous constraints posed by the rugged terrain configuration and long spells of inhospitable climatic conditions, infrastructure development in the remote areas of this region is progressing at a remarkably fast pace.

Some of the notable projects of this decade include upgrading surface communications, and enhancing the power and health infrastructure. Resultantly, J&K has seen the creation of the Srinagar and Jammu Metrolite as well as Reasi Railway Station, construction of the stupendous Chenab Rail Bridge, and the 670 km long, 4-lane wide, controlled-access expressway Delhi-Amritsar Katra Expressway.
The government is on record as saying that it remains committed to ensuring comprehensive development of J&K, especially its rural areas, and it is definitely walking its talk. Some other completed projects include the All India Institute of Medical Sciences in Avantipura, the Kiru Hydro Electric Project, the Udhampur-Srinagar-Baramulla Rail Link, the Zojila Tunnel, and the Jammu Ring Road, besides around thirty townships that fall along this route.
As of December 2, 2024, the Ministry of Rural Development had given sanction for the construction of 3,437 roads totaling a length 20,801 kilometres and 305 bridges under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in J&K, with a project value of Rs.14, 810 crores. Of these, 3,214 roads (19,324.72 kilometres) and 217 bridges have been constructed so far at an expenditure of Rs.12, 610 crores, which includes the share of the UT administration.
Additionally, a sum of Rs.20, 500 crores has been allocated to the National Highways and Infrastructure Development Corporation Limited (NHIDCL), for constructing three national highways and seven major tunnels. Four of these seven tunnels are currently under construction, with three in the Detailed Project Report (DPR) stage. It is expected that these projects will promote unprecedented economic growth, seamless mobility and improved strategic defence capabilities in the region.
While the government and administration is doing a lot in J&K, the Indian Army too is silently but significantly contributing towards infrastructural development through “Operation Sadbhavana” (Goodwill). Its diverse initiatives have gone a long way in enhancing socio-economic standards in the region and impacting local communities positively.
Through “Operation Sadbhavana”, the Indian Army has promoted infrastructure development in the border areas, spearheaded education and skill development initiatives, provided healthcare facilities and extended medical outreach, promoted tourism, provided economic opportunities, encouraged community engagement and welfare programs, etc.
Besides this, the Army has also played an important role in improving road connectivity by constructing bridges and enhancing communication networks in remote and inaccessible areas. It remains committed towards facilitating easier access to border villages, enabling residents to connect with urban centers for essential services and economic opportunities. The development of communication networks has ensured connectivity and better coordination.
In the field of education and enhancement of skills “Operation Sadbhavana” has proved to be the most effective and result-oriented initiative. Recognising the importance of education in fostering socio-economic progress, the Indian Army has prioritised promotion of literacy and skill development among J&K youth. Its initiatives in this regard include taking children on educational and cultural tours of Bharat, the establishment of schools and vocational training centers as well as introduction of scholarship programs for meritorious students from financially weak backgrounds.
Army-run educational institutions have led the way in providing quality education to children living in remote areas, thereby bridging the gap between urban and rural education. Insofar as vocational training is concerned, courses for various trades are offered that provide the youth with a wide range of skills and enhance employability prospects.
Army Goodwill Schools not only provide education, but also focus on holistic personality and character development, offering extracurricular activities, sports facilities, and career counseling to students. Indian Army-sponsored scholarship programs have allowed children from underprivileged sections of society to pursue higher education, thus, opening doors to better career prospects and economic advancement.
The Army has also undertaken several initiatives to improve healthcare infrastructure and provide medical assistance to needy locals. Army hospitals and medical camps serve as lifelines for communities located in far-flung areas, offering essential healthcare services and even emergency treatment. The Army's “Operation Sadbhavana” also includes medical outreach programs that provide free mobile healthcare services to residents living in the remote villages of Jammu and Kashmir. Army medical camps in J&K have been instrumental in reducing maternal and infant mortality rates in the region.
Army-led initiatives in J&K have also helped in enhancing its tourism potential. Activities like promotion of adventure sports and cultural festivals have drawn many foreign as well as domestic tourists. Developing the Siachen Glacier region as a tourist destination by the Indian Army has attracted a lot of attention as visitors can now experience its natural beauty and unique ecosystem under the guidance of trained personnel.
By preventing Pakistan sponsored terrorists from creating mayhem in J&K, the Army has created a peaceful environment conducive to business and investment, paving the way for sustainable economic growth and prosperity.
In the northeastern part of India, the paramilitary Assam Rifles is pursuing civil engagement with the local populace on almost similar lines as that of the Indian Army in J&K. Some of its civic action programs include organising medical camps, tree-planting drives, empowering women self-help groups by providing requisite equipment and amenities as well as supporting local communities through development-oriented initiatives.
Projects like "Clean and Green Nagaland," that form part of the Assam Rifles extensive tree planting drive aimed at promoting environmental awareness and conservation through public awareness and participation. It is also assisting the local administration and the people by undertaking multifarious infrastructure development as well as promoting education and skill development. To wean away locals from using wood as the primary source of fuel, the Assam Rifles has launched a major and sustained drive to promote use of reusable energy sources by providing solar street lights in remote areas where electricity is not available.
The Assam Rifles has also initiated several constructive programmes that encourage and promote talent and skill development to help the youth realise their full potential and prevent them from falling prey to the menace of drugs and indulging in criminal activities
It can, therefore, be concluded that besides efficient discharge of their mandated responsibilities, both the Indian Army and Assam Rifles are making significant contribution to the overall national mission of creating a society and a system that is characterised by rising living and socio-economic standards, increasing investment in infrastructure and promoting key objectives of education, health and skill development.

Email:----------------------------farooqwani61@yahoo.co.in