In a major push towards rural development, the Central Government has greenlit road projects spanning more than 10,000 kilometers under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV). Announced by the Ministry of Rural Development on Thursday, this initiative targets isolated villages across several states and union territories.
The ambitious program will connect nearly 3,270 remote habitations, providing them access to essential services. States like Jammu & Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim stand to benefit significantly from these all-weather roads.
Ministry officials emphasized that these roads are not just infrastructure upgrades but gateways to progress. They will unlock opportunities in healthcare, education, and livelihoods, fostering inclusive growth in rural India.
Under PMGSY-IV, the focus is on linking unconnected settlements based on the 2011 Census criteria—over 500 population in plains, 250 in hilly and northeastern areas, and even smaller clusters in tribal, aspirational, desert, and left-wing extremism-affected districts.
The scheme aims to construct 62,500 km of roads along with necessary bridges, transforming remote areas into vibrant economic hubs. This move aligns with the vision of a developed India, where no village is left behind.
Experts hail the decision as a game-changer, predicting a ripple effect on local economies through improved market access and reduced travel times. As construction ramps up, rural communities eagerly await the life-changing impact.