In a significant push for rural infrastructure, Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, inaugurated a massive package of new roads in Rajasthan on Tuesday. The event, held in Merta, marked the celebration of the 25th anniversary of the flagship Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
A Milestone Inauguration for Rural Connectivity
The minister inaugurated a total of 1,216 new roads with a combined worth of Rs 2,089 crore. This substantial investment under the fourth phase of PMGSY is aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to remote villages and settlements across the state. The launch commemorates a quarter-century of the scheme, which was originally launched by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee on December 25, 2000.
25 Years of Transforming Rural Landscapes
Over the last 25 years, the impact of PMGSY in Rajasthan has been profound. According to officials, the state's Public Works Department (PWD) has constructed more than 75,000 kilometres of roads under the scheme. This extensive network has successfully provided reliable, all-weather connectivity to 15,983 villages and settlements, effectively bridging the gap between remote areas and urban centres.
Officials highlighted that the scheme has been instrumental in making essential services like education and healthcare accessible. Furthermore, it has opened up new economic opportunities for residents in previously isolated regions, fostering development and improving quality of life.
The Road Ahead: Phase Four Targets
The newly inaugurated roads are part of the ambitious fourth phase of PMGSY. For this phase, authorities had identified 1,638 settlements that still lacked proper road connectivity. The current plan, now set into motion with this inauguration, involves the construction of:
- 3,219 kilometres of new roads.
- One major bridge.
This infrastructure will finally link 1,216 of the identified settlements, fulfilling the scheme's core objective. The remaining settlements are expected to be connected through subsequent projects. The Rs 2,089 crore project underscores the government's continued commitment to strengthening rural infrastructure and ensuring that the benefits of growth reach every corner of the state.
The anniversary event in Merta stands as a testament to the long-term success of PMGSY, showcasing how sustained investment in rural roads can act as a catalyst for comprehensive socio-economic development in India's villages.
