PMGSY at 25: Strengthening India’s Rural Road Network
Context
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) completed 25 years in December 2025, marking a major milestone in India’s journey towards universal rural road connectivity.
What is PMGSY?
PMGSY is a centrally sponsored scheme aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to eligible unconnected rural habitations, thereby integrating villages with markets, schools, and healthcare facilities.
Launch Details
• Launched on: 25 December 2000
• Occasion: Birth anniversary of Atal Bihari Vajpayee
• Implementing Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
Phased Implementation
• PMGSY-I: Universal rural connectivity to unconnected habitations
• PMGSY-II: Upgradation and consolidation of existing rural road networks
• PMGSY-III: Strengthening through routes and major rural links connecting markets, schools, and health facilities
• PMGSY-IV (2024–29): Connectivity to 25,000 habitations through 62,500 km of roads
Key Features
• Large-scale coverage: Over 8.25 lakh km of roads sanctioned, with nearly 95% completed by December 2025
• Technology-driven monitoring: Use of OMMAS, e-MARG, GPS-based tracking, and geo-tagged inspections for transparency and real-time supervision
• Quality assurance: Three-tier quality monitoring system involving executing agencies, State Quality Monitors, and National Quality Monitors
• Sustainability focus: Adoption of eco-friendly materials such as waste plastic, fly ash, bio-bitumen, and climate-resilient construction techniques
Significance
• Improves market access, strengthens farm-to-market linkages, and enhances price realisation for farmers
• Expands access to education, healthcare, and welfare services in remote and underserved regions
• Supports rural employment, mobility, and inclusive socio-economic development
Conclusion
Over the past 25 years, PMGSY has become a cornerstone of rural infrastructure development in India by ensuring reliable last-mile connectivity. Through its phased approach, technology-enabled monitoring, and sustainability orientation, the scheme has significantly improved rural livelihoods and service delivery. As PMGSY-IV advances, it will play a critical role in achieving balanced regional development, strengthening rural economies, and realising the goal of inclusive growth.
Source : PIB