The central government has announced significant progress in enhancing rural connectivity in Gujarat, with the completion of multiple infrastructure projects in the current financial year. During the recently concluded Parliament session, details were provided on the construction of roads and bridges under the flagship Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
Road and Bridge Construction Details
In a written reply to a question posed by MP Narhari Amin, Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan shared specific data. The minister stated that a total of 9 road projects and 12 bridge projects have been successfully constructed across several districts of Gujarat under the scheme in the ongoing financial year.
Regarding the road construction, the minister provided a district-wise breakdown. Two road projects each were completed in Bharuch, Jamnagar, Junagadh, and Devbhumi Dwarka districts. Additionally, one road project was finished in the Banaskantha district. Cumulatively, these new roads span a total length of 27.66 kilometres, directly improving access for numerous villages.
Bridge Projects Across Districts
The bridge construction under the scheme has also seen substantial activity. According to the minister's reply, four bridge projects were completed in the Aravalli district. Furthermore, three bridges each were built in Surendranagar and Navsari districts, while two bridge projects were finalized in the Bhavnagar district. These bridges are crucial for ensuring all-weather connectivity, especially in areas prone to flooding or with challenging topography.
Scheme Phases and Future Plans
Minister Paswan clarified that all these completed projects fall under the PMGSY-III phase of the program. He also informed the House about the subsequent phase, noting that PMGSY-IV is currently operational and will remain in force until the financial year 2028-29.
However, in a key point for future development, the minister indicated that no proposals have been received from the state of Gujarat under the PMGSY-IV scheme so far. This suggests that state authorities may need to expedite the planning and submission of project proposals to continue the momentum of rural infrastructure development in Gujarat under the new phase.
The development of these 21 infrastructure assets underscores the central government's continued focus on improving last-mile connectivity in rural India. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana remains a pivotal scheme for boosting economic activity, access to markets, healthcare, and education in the country's hinterlands.
