PMGSY-III Extension: Rural Roads Timeline and Funding
Why in the news
The Union Cabinet lengthened the life of PMGSY-III so that rural road building keeps its pace, notably for works held up by tough terrain or administrative hurdles.
Key facts
- Focus: consolidation of Major Rural Links (MRLs) and Through Routes, the arteries that carry heavy traffic and link farmers to markets.
- Plain areas: roads and bridges to be finished by March 2028.
- Hilly or difficult areas: roads by March 2028, bridges by March 2029.
- Funding: 60:40 Centre to State, 90:10 for North Eastern and Himalayan states, giving states a stake in upkeep and accountability.
Priority destinations
- Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs): quicker movement of perishables, lower post-harvest loss.
- Higher secondary schools: supports the NITI Aayog goal of cutting secondary dropouts, currently 11.5%.
- Healthcare facilities: complements platforms like JANANI by letting emergency transport reach rural doors.
Evolution of PMGSY
| Phase | Year | Aim |
|---|---|---|
| PMGSY-I | 2000 | All-weather connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations |
| PMGSY-II | 2013 | Upgrading existing rural road networks for better efficiency |
| PMGSY-III | 2019 | Consolidating routes linking habitations to GrAMs, schools and hospitals |
Exam angle
- Phase III started in 2019; Phase I in 2000 and Phase II in 2013.
- Centre’s share is 90% for North Eastern and Himalayan states.
- Related terms: MRL, Through Routes, GrAM.