The Government of India has allocated ₹18,907 crore for the construction of 26,474 kilometers of rural roads during the 2026-27 financial year under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and other schemes related to rural connectivity.
This point was emphasized during a comprehensive high-level review meeting convened by the Ministry of Rural Development to assess the physical and financial progress of states under the PMGSY and the ‘Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas’ (RCPLWEA). The meeting was chaired by Shri Rohit Kansal, Secretary, Department of Rural Development, Government of India.
Senior officials from Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu & Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan, and Telangana participated in this review meeting. These included Additional Chief Secretaries, Principal Secretaries, and Chief Executive Officers of State Rural Road Development Agencies (SRRDAs).
Focus on Last-Mile Connectivity
States were directed to expedite the work of connecting all remaining unconnected habitations under PMGSY-I and PM-JANMAN, with a special focus on habitations of ‘Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups’ (PVTGs). Emphasizing the need for all-weather road connectivity, the Secretary urged states to fast-track the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), resolve bottlenecks, and ensure the timely completion of stalled connectivity projects.
Progress made under the RCPLWEA was also reviewed in detail. Recognizing the strategic importance of road infrastructure in districts affected by Left-Wing Extremism, the Secretary directed the concerned states to maintain close coordination with the implementing agencies and ensure the timely completion of all sanctioned works.
Strengthening Quality and Digital Governance
The primary focus of this review was the quality and long-term durability of rural road assets. States were asked to strengthen field-level inspections, improve quality monitoring systems, and ensure strict oversight during project implementation.
The meeting also emphasized the universal deploymentof the e-MARG platform (Electronic Maintenance of Rural Roads under PMGSY), which will enable real-time monitoring of maintenance activities, performance assessment, and payment tracking. Increased use of this platform is expected to enhance transparency, accountability, and efficiency in the maintenance of rural roads.
At the conclusion of the review meeting, the Secretary issued state-specific directives to remove operational bottlenecks, expedite land acquisition and forest clearance proposals, ensure the timely achievement of project targets, and strengthen coordination among state governments, the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), and the Ministry of Rural Development. (PIB)
