Cabinet Approves Extension and Enhanced Outlay of PMGSY-III Beyond March 2025 to March 2028

  • In a significant infrastructure push, the Union Cabinet, chaired by the Prime Minister of India, has approved the continuation of PMGSY-III beyond March 2025 up to March 2028, along with an enhanced financial outlay. The decision is aimed at completing pending works and unlocking the full socio-economic potential of rural road connectivity.It involves consolidation of through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools and Hospitals.

Key Decisions and Financial Outlay

  •      Scheme Extension:Roads and bridges (plain areas) and roads in hilly areas: till March 2028,Bridges in hilly areas: timeline extended till March 2029
  •        Revised Outlay:Increased to ₹83,977 crore from ₹80,250 crore
  •       Pending Works Provision:Projects sanctioned before 31 March 2025 but not yet awarded can now be taken up for tendering and execution
  •       Long Span Bridges (LSBs):LSBs (161 Nos. with estimated cost of Rs.961 crore) pending for sanction but lying on the alignment of already sanctioned roads may be sanctioned and tendered/awarded.
  • Significance
  •       Boost to Rural Economy and Connectivity: The extension of PMGSY-III ensures the completion of targeted upgradation of rural roads, enabling full realisation of its intended socio-economic benefits.
  •       Enhanced Market Access: Improves connectivity for both agricultural and non-farm products, strengthening rural trade.
  •       Reduced Logistics Costs: Cuts down transportation time and costs, leading to higher efficiency.
  •       Improved Rural Incomes: Better market integration directly contributes to income enhancement.
  •       Access to Social Infrastructure: Facilitates connectivity to education and healthcare institutions, ensuring timely delivery of essential services, especially in remote and underserved areas.
  • Employment Generation and Inclusive Growth
  •       Direct Employment: Through large-scale construction and infrastructure activities.
  •       Indirect Employment: By promoting rural enterprises, services, and allied sectors.
  •       Bridging Rural-Urban Divide: Strengthens integration of rural regions with the broader economy.
  •       Sustainable Growth Path: Supports long-term, inclusive development outcomes.
  •       Vision Alignment: Contributes to achieving the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.