Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) beyond March 2025 up to March 2028. The scheme focuses on consolidation of Through Routes and Major Rural Links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals.
Key Cabinet Approvals
- Extension of timeline till March 2028 for completion of roads and bridges in plain areas and roads in hilly areas
- Extension of timeline till March 2029 for completion of bridges in hilly areas
- Works sanctioned before 31 March 2025 but un-awarded may now be taken up for tender/award
- 161 Long Span Bridges (LSBs) with an estimated cost of ₹961 crore pending sanction but lying on alignment of already sanctioned roads approved for sanction and tendering
- Revised outlay: ₹83,977 crore (up from earlier ₹80,250 crore)
Benefits
- The extension will boost rural economy and trade by enhancing market access for agricultural and non-farm products, reducing transportation time and costs, and improving rural incomes.
- It will also facilitate better access to education and healthcare in remote and underserved areas, generate employment through construction activities, and promote rural enterprises contributing to inclusive development and the vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.