Union Cabinet Greenlights Rs 70,125 Crore PMGSY-IV for 62,500 KM of Rural Roads and Bridges

The Union Cabinet, on Wednesday, approved the proposal by the Department of Rural Development for the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) during the financial years 2024-25 to 2028-29. The scheme aims to enhance rural connectivity by constructing 62,500 km of roads and providing connectivity to 25,000 unconnected habitations, along with the construction and upgrading of bridges on these new roads.

The official statement confirmed that the project will be implemented with a total outlay of Rs 70,125 crore. Of this, the central government's share will be Rs 49,087.50 crore, while the states will contribute Rs 21,037.50 crore.

"Under this scheme, 25,000 unconnected habitations of population size of over 500 in plains and over 250 in Northeast and hill states, Union Territories and special category areas and over 100 in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected districts according to Census 2011 will be covered."

The new initiative will focus on constructing all-weather roads to improve connectivity in rural areas. "All-weather roads measuring 62,500 km will be provided to unconnected habitations. The construction of required bridges along the alignment of the all-weather road will also be provided," the statement highlighted.

These all-weather roads are expected to play a crucial role in the socio-economic development of remote rural areas. "While connecting habitations, the nearby government educational, health, market and growth centres will be connected, as far as feasible, with the all-weather roads for the benefit of the local people."

Incorporating modern road construction practices, PMGSY-IV will use technologies like cold mix technology, waste plastic, panelled cement concrete, cell filled concrete, and full-depth reclamation. Additionally, the scheme will emphasize sustainable practices, utilizing construction waste and other materials like fly ash and steel slag.

Furthermore, road alignment planning under the scheme will be facilitated by the PM Gati Shakti portal. "PMGSY-IV road alignment planning will be undertaken through the PM Gati Shakti portal. The planning tool on PM Gati Shakti portal will also assist in detail project report (DPR) preparation," the statement added.

The initiative is seen as a significant step towards enhancing rural infrastructure, improving access to essential services, and boosting economic growth in India's underserved regions.