25 Years of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Background of the Scheme

25 Years of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) was launched in December 2000 as a centrally sponsored scheme under the Ministry of Rural Development. The core objective was to provide all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations.

The scheme treats road connectivity as a powerful tool for poverty alleviation. By linking villages with markets, schools, and healthcare centres, PMGSY aimed to integrate rural India with the mainstream economy.

Static GK fact: Rural roads fall under the State List, but PMGSY represents strong Centre–State cooperative federalism in infrastructure delivery.

Scale and Physical Progress

Over the last 25 years, PMGSY has emerged as the world’s largest rural road connectivity programme. By December 2025, about 8.25 lakh km of rural roads were sanctioned across India.

Out of this, nearly 7.87 lakh km have already been completed. This reflects around 95% physical progress, indicating strong execution capacity and sustained funding support.

The scheme has also included the construction and modernisation of bridges and cross-drainage structures along road alignments. These structures ensure uninterrupted connectivity during monsoons.

Evolution Through Multiple Phases

PMGSY has evolved through clearly defined phases to address changing rural needs. Phase I, launched in 2000, focused on achieving universal rural access.

This phase connected eligible unconnected habitations to nearby growth centres. The emphasis was on basic access rather than network quality.

Phase II, introduced in 2013, aimed at consolidation of the rural road network. It focused on upgrading existing roads to improve durability and transport efficiency.

Phase III, launched in 2019, shifted attention to strengthening connectivity between rural habitations and key socio-economic institutions such as markets, mandis, and educational hubs.

Static GK Tip: Infrastructure-led development is a recurring theme in India’s Five-Year Plans and continues under modern flagship schemes.

PMGSY-IV and Future Expansion

PMGSY-IV (2024–2028) marks a new phase in the scheme’s journey. It aims to connect around 25,000 habitations through nearly 62,500 km of roads.

The habitation eligibility criteria are clearly defined. Habitations with 500+ population in plains, 250+ in North-Eastern and hill states, and 100+ in Left Wing Extremism affected districts are covered, as per Census 2011.

This phase reflects a more targeted and inclusive approach, focusing on regions with development deficits.

Special Focus on LWE-Affected Areas

In 2016, the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas was launched as a vertical under PMGSY. The objective was to enhance security, governance, and development outreach.

Improved rural connectivity in these regions supports administrative access and boosts economic activities. Roads are also critical for faster delivery of welfare services.

Static GK fact: Infrastructure development is a key non-military strategy to address internal security challenges.

Socio-Economic Impact

PMGSY has significantly reduced transportation costs for rural households. It has improved access to education, healthcare, and employment opportunities.

The scheme has also generated large-scale rural employment during construction phases. Over time, better roads have encouraged agricultural diversification and rural entrepreneurship.

Static Usthadian Current Affairs Table

25 Years of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana: