Srinagar, Jan 22 (KINS): In a major boost to rural connectivity, more than 10,000 kilometres of road projects have been sanctioned under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana–IV (PMGSY-IV) for the States and Union Territories of Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim.
The projects reflect the Department of Rural Development’s continued commitment towards achieving the goal of Viksit Bharat. Officials said the newly approved roads will connect some of the most remote and underserved rural and hilly areas, helping bring development closer to local communities.
With the construction of these roads, around 3,270 habitations that were earlier cut off will gain all-weather connectivity. The improved road network is expected to enhance access to essential services such as healthcare and education, create livelihood opportunities and significantly improve the quality of life in rural areas.
Under PMGSY-IV, connectivity is to be provided to about 25,000 unconnected habitations across the country, including those with a population of 500 and above in plains, 250 and above in northeastern and hilly States and UTs, special category areas such as Tribal Schedule-V regions, Aspirational Districts and Blocks, desert areas, and habitations with a population of 100 and above in Left Wing Extremism-affected districts, as per Census 2011.
The scheme aims to construct a total of 62,500 kilometres of all-weather rural roads. Necessary bridges along these road alignments will also be built to ensure uninterrupted connectivity throughout the year.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, had approved the implementation of PMGSY-IV for the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29 on September 11, 2024. The total outlay for the scheme is ₹70,125 crore, including a Central share of ₹49,087.50 crore and a State share of ₹21,037.50 crore.(KINS)
