The Union Ministry of Rural Development has approved the construction of more than 10,000 kilometres of rural roads across six states and Union Territories under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana–IV (PMGSY-IV), marking a major boost to last-mile connectivity in remote and underserved regions.
The sanctioned road projects will cover Jammu and Kashmir, Chhattisgarh, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Himachal Pradesh, and Sikkim, and are expected to provide all-weather connectivity to around 3,270 habitations that currently lack reliable road access.
The ministry described the initiative as a key step toward strengthening rural infrastructure and advancing the vision of a developed India. Officials noted that improved road connectivity goes beyond physical infrastructure, enabling better access to essential services such as healthcare, education, markets, and livelihood opportunities for rural populations that have remained geographically isolated for decades.
PMGSY-IV has been designed to connect nearly 25,000 unconnected habitations across the country, with eligibility determined by population thresholds based on the 2011 Census. These include habitations with a population of 500 or more in plain areas, 250 or more in hill states, northeastern regions, tribal and special category areas, and 100 or more in districts affected by Left Wing Extremism.
Under the scheme, a total of 62,500 kilometres of all-weather rural roads will be developed nationwide, including the construction of essential bridges wherever required to ensure seamless connectivity.
The PMGSY-IV programme was approved by the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, in September 2024. The scheme will be implemented over a five-year period from 2024–25 to 2028-29 and involves a total outlay of Rs 70,125 crore. Of this, the central government will contribute Rs 49,087.50 crore, while state governments will provide Rs 21,037.50 crore.