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:

o Roads and bridges (plain areas) and roads in hilly areas: till March 2028

o Bridges in hilly areas: timeline extended till March 2029

• Revised Outlay:

o Increased to ₹83,977 crore from ₹80,250 crore

• Pending Works Provision:

o Projects sanctioned before 31 March 2025 but not yet awarded can now be taken up for tendering and execution

• Long Span Bridges (LSBs):

o 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.

o Enhanced Market Access: Improves connectivity for both agricultural and non-farm products, strengthening rural trade.

o Reduced Logistics Costs: Cuts down transportation time and costs, leading to higher efficiency.

o Improved Rural Incomes: Better market integration directly contributes to income enhancement.

o 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

o Direct Employment: Through large-scale construction and infrastructure activities.

o Indirect Employment: By promoting rural enterprises, services, and allied sectors.

o Bridging Rural-Urban Divide: Strengthens integration of rural regions with the broader economy.

o Sustainable Growth Path: Supports long-term, inclusive development outcomes.

o Vision Alignment: Contributes to achieving the national goal of Viksit Bharat 2047.