Uttarakhand: More Roads, Better Connectivity: Uttarakhand’s Progress Under PMGSY Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) , a total of 814 km of rural roads were constructed in Uttarakhand during the recently concluded financial year. Recognizing the state’s progress, the Government of India has now approved funding for nine new bridges under the third phase of the scheme. For the financial year 2024-25, the state government spent ₹933 crore on road development, exceeding the target of ₹900 cror and surpassing last year’s expenditure by ₹133 crore. In terms of physical achievement, 814 km of new roads were built, which is 206 km more than the previous year (2023-24). Additionally, on the last day of the financial year, the central government approved ₹40.77 crore for the construction of nine bridges under PMGSY-3.
Next Phase: Expanding Connectivity to Remote Villages The government is now shifting focus to PMGSY-4, under which 1,490 roadless settlements have been identified. In the first phase, surveys for about 8,500 km of new roads have been completed, and work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has begun. To ensure quality control, a special inspection app has been developed. This app allows field officers to record real-time inspections, making it easier for senior officials to monitor road quality. The initiative has been praised by the central government, which has encouraged other states to adopt similar technology. Connecting Every Village: The Road Ahead The PMGSY was launched in 2000 to provide road connectivity to rural areas. In its first three phases, most villages with a minimum population of 500 residents were successfully connected. “Under the double-engine government, we are committed to connecting even the smallest settlements with all-weather roads. The progress made in the last financial year is remarkable, and in the fourth phase, we will ensure that the remaining villages also get road access.”
— Pushkar Singh Dhami, Chief Minister, Uttarakhand
