SYLLABUS
GS 3: Infrastructure-Energy, Ports, Roads, Airports, Railways etc.
Context: 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.
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- 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.
SOURCES:
Hindu Business Line
PM India
PIB