Shivraj Singh Chouhan Reviews PMGSY Progress, Sets Vision for 25th Anniversary

Union Minister for Rural Development and Agriculture & Farmers' Welfare, Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan, chaired a high-level review meeting at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi, to assess the progress of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and to outline strategic directions for the upcoming action plan. The meeting was attended by Rural Development Secretary Shri Shailesh Singh, senior ministry officials, and state-level representatives connected with the flagship rural infrastructure programme.

The review focused on ensuring last-mile connectivity, improving construction quality, and addressing implementation challenges across various regions, including difficult terrains and Left-Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas.

Comprehensive Review of State-wise Implementation

Officials presented detailed reports on the state-wise progress of PMGSY, noting that while the scheme has continued to perform robustly across most states, work in certain hilly and disaster-affected regions had slowed down temporarily due to floods, landslides, and other natural calamities.

The Union Minister took note of these challenges and directed states to prioritize restoration and catch-up plans, ensuring no delay in achieving connectivity targets. "PMGSY is a lifeline for rural India. Every delay deprives villagers of access to markets, schools, and healthcare. We must work faster, smarter, and with full accountability," he emphasized.

Special Focus on Northeast and LWE-Affected Regions

Recognizing the unique geographic and security challenges in Northeastern states and Left-Wing Extremism-affected areas such as Chhattisgarh, Shri Chouhan directed the Ministry to intensify implementation in these regions. He announced that a dedicated review meeting would soon be held in the Northeast, bringing together Chief Ministers, state representatives, and central officials to address region-specific needs.

This regional review will cover not only PMGSY, but also other key initiatives such as MGNREGA, Skill Development, and the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM). The aim is to create an integrated rural development framework ensuring that infrastructure creation, livelihoods, and social empowerment progress in tandem.

"The Northeast and LWE regions hold immense potential. Our focus must be on connecting people, empowering communities, and bringing development to the last village," Shri Chouhan stated.

PMGSY at 25: Celebrating a Legacy of Rural Transformation

As PMGSY approaches its 25th anniversary in December 2025, the Minister announced plans for nationwide celebrations to commemorate the scheme's enduring impact on rural India.

Launched in December 2000, PMGSY has played a transformative role in enhancing rural connectivity, improving access to essential services, and driving socio-economic change in India's villages. Over the past two and a half decades, the programme has constructed or upgraded more than 7.5 lakh kilometres of rural roads, connecting over 1.8 lakh previously unconnected habitations.

Calling it "a scheme that changed both the condition and direction of our villages," Shri Chouhan said the 25th anniversary would be an opportunity to honour field engineers, contractors, and community leaders who have contributed to PMGSY's success story.

He also directed officials to prepare and release a comprehensive national report highlighting PMGSY's 25-year journey — covering infrastructure achievements, social impact assessments, digital innovations, and sustainability practices.

Emphasis on Quality, Durability, and Timely Completion

Shri Chouhan underscored that quality assurance and timely execution must remain top priorities in all PMGSY projects. He instructed officials to enhance technical monitoring, adopt innovative construction materials, and ensure adherence to quality control standards through third-party inspections.

He also called for leveraging geospatial monitoring tools and digital dashboards for real-time project tracking, transparency, and accountability. "Every kilometre of rural road must stand as a symbol of reliability and progress," he remarked.

Officials were further directed to work closely with state governments, district administrations, and local bodies to remove bottlenecks, speed up pending works, and ensure that road connectivity directly supports agriculture, rural markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.

Driving Inclusive Growth through Infrastructure

The Union Minister highlighted that PMGSY is not merely a road construction programme but a foundation for inclusive growth. By connecting remote habitations, the scheme has helped farmers access markets for their produce, improved school attendance among rural children, and made healthcare and emergency services more accessible to villagers.

He reiterated the government's commitment to a "whole-of-government" approach to rural development, where infrastructure, livelihoods, digital connectivity, and skill enhancement work hand in hand to achieve the goal of Viksit Bharat@2047.

"Our roads are the arteries of rural progress. Through PMGSY, we are not just building roads — we are building opportunities, dignity, and a stronger India," Shri Chouhan concluded.

Looking Ahead

With the renewed directives from the Union Minister, the Ministry of Rural Development is expected to finalize its Action Plan 2025–2030, focusing on:

• Completion of remaining connectivity targets in difficult terrains.

• Maintenance of existing road infrastructure through PMGSY-III and PMGSY-RC.

• Integration with digital and green infrastructure initiatives.

• Strengthening local capacity through technical training and community monitoring.

The forthcoming PMGSY@25 celebrations will not only showcase achievements but also set the roadmap for the next phase — ensuring that every Indian village is connected, every road is resilient, and every citizen benefits from the journey toward rural transformation and national development.