New Delhi: The Centre sanctioned more than 10,000 km of PMGSY-IV roads for Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh and Sikkim, the Department of Rural Development said on Wednesday.
The approval marked a key step under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana–IV. Moreover, it aimed to expand rural connectivity across remote and hilly regions. As a result, around 3,270 habitations that lacked road access were set to gain all-weather connectivity and essential services.
Officials said the sanctioned PMGSY-IV roads would link villages to healthcare, education and markets. Therefore, the projects were expected to support livelihoods and reduce isolation in difficult terrain. In addition, the works reinforced the Centre’s broader goal of inclusive growth under the Viksit Bharat vision.
The Department of Rural Development stated that PMGSY-IV targeted unconnected habitations based on population norms fixed under Census 2011. These norms varied by terrain and special category areas, including tribal regions, desert areas and Left Wing Extremism-affected districts.
PMGSY-IV roads to link unconnected habitations nationwide
Under PMGSY-IV, the government planned to provide connectivity to 25,000 habitations across plains, hill states, the Northeast and special category districts. Meanwhile, habitations with populations of 500 and above in plains, 250 and above in hill areas, and 100 and above in LWE districts were covered.
The scheme aimed to construct 62,500 km of all-weather PMGSY-IV roads. Alongside, authorities would build required bridges along these routes to ensure year-round access.
Earlier, on September 11, 2024, the Union Cabinet chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved PMGSY-IV for the period from 2024-25 to 2028-29. The total outlay stood at Rs. 70,125 crore, including a central share of Rs. 49,087.50 crore and a state share of Rs. 21,037.50 crore.
