New Delhi, 18 April (H.S.): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the continuation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana‑III (PMGSY‑III) beyond its earlier deadline, extending the scheme up to March 2028 with a revised outlay of ₹83,977 crore.

The decision aims to complete the targeted upgradation of key rural road networks and fully realise the scheme’s socio‑economic benefits in the remaining period.

Under the extended timeline, roads and bridges in plain areas and rural roads in hilly regions will now have to be completed by March 2028, while bridge construction in hill areas has been given a slightly longer window, with a new deadline of March 2029.

The Cabinet has also allowed the restart and award of works that were sanctioned before 31 March 2025 but had not yet been tendered or contracted, unlocking stalled projects and freeing up funds under the scheme.

The approval includes 161 long‑span bridges estimated to cost about ₹961 crore, which were earlier pending due to alignment issues with pre‑approved roads in hill states. These bridges are critical for improving all‑weather connectivity in remote and difficult‑to‑reach regions, including several northeastern and Himalayan states.

PMGSY‑III, launched in 2019, focuses on consolidating 1.25 lakh km of Through Routes and Major Rural Links, connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), higher secondary schools, and hospitals. The Ministry of Rural Development has stated that the extension will ensure that the targeted upgradation of rural roads is completed without time‑bound constraints cutting work short.

According to the ministry, the continued implementation of the scheme will:

Strengthen rural economies and trade by improving market access for agricultural and non‑agricultural products;

Reduce travel time and transport costs, thereby increasing rural incomes;

Boost access to education and healthcare, especially in remote and backward areas, by making schools and medical facilities more reachable.

As of late 2025, over 1.22 lakh km of rural roads had already been sanctioned under PMGSY‑III, with more than 80% of the target length completed nationwide.

The Cabinet’s move is expected to push the remaining uncompleted stretches and bridges over the line, giving millions of villagers reliable, all‑weather connectivity and laying the groundwork for further rural development and poverty reduction.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Jun Sarkar