The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was initiated by the central government to offer road access to isolated villages as a key component of its poverty alleviation efforts. The Indian government is committed to establishing rigorous, uniform technical and management benchmarks, while supporting policy and planning at the state level to guarantee the long-term maintenance of rural road infrastructure.
Latest Updates on Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
The Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA), under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has sanctioned the Rural Development Ministry’s request to extend PMGSY Phases 1 and 2 until September 2022 to finalize remaining infrastructure projects. Furthermore, the CCEA authorized the extension of the Road Connectivity Project for LWE-Affected Areas (RCPLWEA) through March 2023.
Introduction of PM Gram Sadak Yojana Phase 1
The government initiated PMGSY-I to link remote habitations with populations of 500+ in plains and 250+ in mountainous or North-Eastern regions. In designated LWE-affected zones, the threshold was lowered to 100+ residents. As of November 17, 2021, only 2,432 out of 184,444 habitations remain unconnected. With 20,950 km of roads and 1,974 bridges left to build from the original targets, these efforts are now set for completion.
Launch of PMGSY Phase 2
PMGSY-II focused on upgrading 50,000 km of existing rural roads. To date, 49,885 km and 765 long-span bridges have been approved, with just 4,240 km and 254 bridges currently pending. These projects will now move toward finalization.
Delays in PMGSY-I and II, particularly in North-Eastern and hilly regions, stemmed from challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, harsh weather, and environmental clearances. Granting this extension until September 2022 provides the necessary time for states to finish these vital infrastructure projects that support the rural economy.