62500 km rural roads covering 25k villages get cabinet approval
- The Cabinet, Chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the proposal for the financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29 with a total outlay of Rs 70,125 crore, a statement said.
Highlights:
- The Union Cabinet, led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) for the construction of 62,500 km of new roads.
- The initiative aims to provide all-weather connectivity to 25,000 rural habitations across the country, focusing on unconnected villages.
- The scheme will be implemented over five financial years, from 2024-25 to 2028-29, with a total outlay of ₹70,125 crore.
Key aspects of the plan include:
- Central Share: ₹49,087.50 crore
- State Share: ₹21,037.50 crore
Focus on Remote Areas:
- The new roads will serve unconnected habitations based on population size criteria:
- 500+ population in plains
- 250+ population in northeastern and hill states, Union Territories, and special areas (including Tribal Schedule V areas, Aspirational Districts/Blocks, and Desert areas)
- 100+ population in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) affected districts, based on the 2011 Census.
- In addition to roads, necessary bridges will also be constructed to ensure robust all-weather connectivity.
Socio-Economic Impact:
- These roads are expected to act as catalysts for the socio-economic development of rural areas by improving access to essential services like education, healthcare, markets, and growth centres.
- The connectivity provided by PMGSY-IV will help transform remote areas by linking them to mainstream infrastructure, thereby enhancing opportunities for residents.
- This expansion of rural infrastructure is aligned with the government's broader objective of inclusive development, and it reflects a continuing commitment to uplift underdeveloped regions.
Prelims Takeaways:
- Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana