Government Plans Rural Road Network Expansion to Boost Economy and Alleviate Poverty
To promote economic growth, raise incomes, and address poverty, the government intends to enhance its rural road network, connecting remote areas across India. The initiative, revealed by sources familiar with the plans, forms part of the Pradhan Mantri Grameen Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
PMGSY aims to connect isolated villages and settlements with populations:
* 300-400 in plains
* 100 in hilly, desert, tribal, and underdeveloped areas
Currently, PMGSY-III targets habitations with populations of:
* 500+ in plains
* 250+ in hilly, desert, and designated backward areas
Modifications may be proposed in the upcoming Union Budget. New eligibility requirements could be implemented separately or incorporated into a proposed PMGSY IV.
PMGSY-IV is expected to receive preliminary funding in this Budget, with more allocated next year after project alignments and contracts are secured.
Concerns have been raised about the government’s track record in delivering meaningful development, despite the potential benefits of the expansion.
PMGSY-III received an allocation of Rs 16,600 crore in the February 2024 interim Budget. The focus is on consolidating rural links and connecting habitations to markets, schools, and hospitals.
PMGSY-I and PMGSY-II are nearing completion, with over 99% of work finished. Launched in 2000, PMGSY has invested Rs 3.8 lakh crore, resulting in the construction of approximately 760,000 km of rural roads.
Funding is shared between the central government and states (60:40 ratio), with hill states receiving up to 90% central funding.
By FY25, an estimated 50,000 additional kilometers are anticipated to be completed.
