The government announced a budget of Rs 18,907 crore for building 26,474 kilometers of rural roads in the fiscal year 2027 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and related rural connectivity projects. During a high-level review meeting led by Rohit Kansal, Secretary of the Department of Rural Development, states were instructed to hasten the completion of all remaining unconnected habitations under PMGSY-I and PM-JANMAN, focusing on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations. States reiterated their commitment to expedite project execution, enhance infrastructure quality, and ensure universal all-weather road access to eligible habitations nationwide.
The meeting emphasized achieving rural connectivity saturation in underserved regions, with the Secretary stressing the importance of universal all-weather road access. States were urged to accelerate the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), address execution challenges, and complete pending connectivity projects promptly. Recognizing the significance of road infrastructure in Left Wing Extremism affected areas, states were directed to collaborate closely with implementing agencies to ensure timely project completion. Participating states presented action plans and assured the Ministry of meeting all pending works and annual targets within set deadlines.
States were encouraged to bolster field-level inspections, improve quality monitoring systems, and maintain rigorous oversight during project implementation. The Secretary issued state-specific directives to overcome implementation hurdles, expedite land acquisition and forest clearance processes, and ensure adherence to project milestones.
