The Centre has set a target to complete 26,474 kilometres of rural roads during 2026-27 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana and related rural connectivity initiatives, with an earmarked outlay of ₹18,907 crore for the financial year.
The target was discussed at a high-level review meeting convened by the Ministry of Rural Development to assess state-wise physical and financial progress under PMGSY and the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas. The meeting was chaired by Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal.
Officials from Andhra Pradesh, Arunachal Pradesh, Bihar, Chhattisgarh, Jammu and Kashmir, Jharkhand, Madhya Pradesh, Maharashtra, Manipur, Meghalaya, Rajasthan and Telangana participated in the review.
The ministry asked states to accelerate the completion of remaining unconnected habitations under PMGSY-I and PM-JANMAN, with special focus on Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group habitations.
States were also directed to fast-track detailed project reports, resolve execution bottlenecks and ensure timely completion of pending connectivity works.
The progress of roads under RCPLWEA was reviewed separately, given the strategic importance of road infrastructure in Left Wing Extremism-affected districts.
Concerned states were asked to coordinate closely with implementing agencies and complete sanctioned works within timelines.
Quality control and maintenance also formed a major part of the review.
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The ministry urged states to strengthen field inspections, improve quality monitoring systems and ensure stronger oversight during project execution.
The review also pushed for universal adoption of the e-MARG platform, which is used for electronic maintenance of rural roads under PMGSY. The platform enables real-time monitoring of maintenance work, performance assessment and payment tracking.
The ministry issued state-specific directions on clearing implementation hurdles, including land acquisition and forest clearance issues.
States were also asked to improve coordination with the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency and the Ministry of Rural Development to meet project milestones.
According to the ministry, participating states presented targeted action plans and assured that pending works and annual targets would be completed within the prescribed timelines.
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