The Cabinet has approved the extension of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) beyond March 2025 up to March 2028, with a revised outlay of Rs 83,977 crore. This scheme focuses on improving rural connectivity by upgrading roads to connect habitations to markets, schools, and hospitals. Extending the timeline of PMGSY-III aims to realize its socio-economic benefits fully, enhancing market access for agricultural and non-farm products, reducing transportation costs, and improving rural incomes.
Improved connectivity through PMGSY-III will not only boost the rural economy and trade but also ensure better access to education and healthcare services. The extension of the scheme will aid in the timely delivery of essential services, particularly in remote and underserved areas. The Cabinet has also approved the extension of timelines for the completion of roads and bridges in plain and hilly areas, aiming to generate employment opportunities and promote rural enterprises and services.
The approval includes the extension of the timeline for completion of bridges in hilly areas till March 2029 and the sanctioning of pending Long Span Bridges (LSBs) along with a revision of the outlay to Rs 83,977 crore. The continued implementation of PMGSY-III is expected to bridge the rural-urban divide, promote inclusive and sustainable development, and align with the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
