Govt Approves New PMGSY-III Projects To Boost Rural Connectivity In Hill States

New Delhi [India]: In a major step towards enhancing rural connectivity and economic development in India’s hill states, the Ministry of Rural Development has approved a new set of infrastructure projects under Phase III of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III) for Manipur, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand, the ministry announced in a press release on Saturday.

These projects include both roadworks and the construction of long-span bridges (LSBs), designed to improve access to essential services and stimulate economic activity in remote, hilly, and hard-to-reach regions.

As per the ministry’s statement:

• Manipur has received approval for 41 new roads covering 280.97 km, with an estimated cost of ₹225.15 crore. This is in addition to the 56 roads spanning 502.24 km previously approved under PMGSY-III, bringing the total investment to ₹404.72 crore.
• Mizoram has been allotted 7 new long-span bridges measuring 373.46 meters, at a cost of ₹67.69 crore. This complements earlier allocations for 17 roads totaling 487.5 km, with an investment of ₹562.70 crore.
• Himachal Pradesh will receive 21 long-span bridges extending 970.77 meters, sanctioned at ₹140.90 crore. The state has already been approved for 299 roads (3,123.12 km) and 43 LSBs under PMGSY-III, with total funding of ₹3,345.82 crore.
• Uttarakhand has secured funding for 9 LSBs spanning 246 meters, worth ₹40.77 crore. Previously, the state was granted 212 roads (2,287.95 km) and 9 LSBs, totaling ₹1,865.34 crore.

The ministry highlighted that these new projects are expected to significantly improve connectivity between rural and urban areas, enhance access to healthcare, education, and markets, and promote local employment generation. They also align with the government’s larger vision of building a “Viksit Bharat” (Developed India).

According to the release, these infrastructure investments are poised to create a transformative impact in the participating states, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive and sustainable rural development.