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Cabinet Extends Rural Road Scheme PMGSY-III Till 2028 With ₹84,000 Crore Boost

The Union Cabinet has approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) until March 2028. The scheme, with a revised financial outlay of Rs 83,977 crore, focuses on consolidating through routes and connecting rural habitations to key facilities. It aims to boost the rural economy by improving market access and reducing transportation costs. The extension is also expected to generate employment and advance the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.

Key Points: PMGSY-III Extended to 2028 with ₹84,000 Crore for Rural Roads

  • Scheme extended to March 2028
  • ₹83,977 crore revised outlay
  • Aims to connect rural areas to markets & services
  • To generate employment & reduce transport costs
  • Supports Viksit Bharat 2047 vision
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Cabinet okays continuation of PMGSY-III till March 2028 with revised Rs 83,977 crore outlay

Cabinet approves PMGSY-III extension till March 2028 with a revised outlay of ₹83,977 crore to upgrade rural roads, boost connectivity and the rural economy.

"It will significantly boost the rural economy and trade by enhancing market access - Official Statement"

New Delhi, April 18

The Cabinet on Saturday approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III beyond March 2025 up to March 2028. The revised outlay of the scheme will be Rs 83,977 crore.

The scheme involves consolidation of through routes and major rural links, connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools and hospitals.

The extension of the timeline of PMGSY-III will enable the full realisation of its intended socio-economic benefits by ensuring completion of targeted upgradation of rural roads.

"It will significantly boost the rural economy and trade by enhancing market access for agricultural and non-farm products, reducing transportation time and costs, and thereby improving rural incomes," said an official statement.

Improved connectivity will facilitate better access to education and healthcare institutions, ensuring timely delivery of essential services, particularly in remote and underserved areas, it added.

The Cabinet also approved the extension of timeline, till March 2028, for completion of roads and bridges in plain areas and roads in hilly areas; extension of timeline till March 2029 for completion of bridges in hilly areas; and works sanctioned before 31.03.2025 but un-awarded till now may be taken up for tender/award.

The Cabinet okayed Long Span Bridges (LSBs) (total 161 with an estimated cost of Rs 961 crore) pending for sanction but lying on the alignment of already sanctioned roads may be sanctioned and tendered/awarded, along with revision of outlay to Rs 83,977 crore from original outlay of Rs 80,250 crore.

The official statement said that the continued implementation will also generate substantial employment opportunities, both directly through construction activities and indirectly by promoting rural enterprises and services.

"Overall, the extension will contribute to inclusive and sustainable development by bridging the rural-urban divide and advancing the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047," it added.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

S
Sarah B
As someone who works in rural development, I've seen the impact of good roads firsthand. The focus on connecting to GrAMs and hospitals is spot on. It reduces post-harvest losses for farmers and gives people access to critical care. The employment generation is a huge bonus.
A
Arjun K
Good move, but the proof will be in the implementation. We've seen announcements before. The key is timely completion and quality control. No more roads that wash away after one season. The focus on hilly areas and bridges is crucial for states like Uttarakhand and Himachal.
P
Priyanka N
Finally! My aunt is a teacher in a remote Odisha village. Her students often miss school during rains because the path becomes inaccessible. Connecting to higher secondary schools will keep so many girls in education. This is development that truly matters. 👏
M
Michael C
While the intent is noble, I hope there is a robust mechanism for transparency. 84,000 crores is a massive amount. Citizens should be able to track which road is being built where and at what cost. Accountability is as important as the allocation.
K
Kavya N
This will be a game-changer for rural entrepreneurs. My cousin started a small pickle unit but transporting to the city market eats up all profit. With a proper road to a GrAM, his business can actually grow. Infrastructure is the real foundation for Viksit Bharat.

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