Indian Political CompassGovernment Scheme · Active
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana
Provides all-weather road connectivity to unconnected rural habitations above a population threshold, with maintenance provisions.
What it does
PMGSY funds construction of paved roads connecting villages to a higher-order road network. Initially targeted habitations above 500 population (250 in hilly and tribal areas). Phase II focused on upgrading existing rural roads. Phase III (2019) targets connecting agricultural markets, higher secondary schools, and hospitals. Roads must be maintained for five years by the contractor and then handed to the state.
Who it covers
Rural habitations without all-weather road connectivity. Priority is given to larger habitations and those in SC/ST-majority areas. States propose roads; a National Rural Roads Development Agency oversees quality.
Funding
60:40 Centre-State ratio (90:10 for NE and hilly states). Total expenditure across phases exceeds Rs 2.5 lakh crore.
Scale
Over 800,000 km of roads constructed and 185,000 habitations connected since 2000. Phase III targets upgrading 125,000 km of roads.
Criticism and debate
Road quality varies widely by state capacity and terrain. Maintenance after the five-year contractor period is often poor due to limited state resources. The scheme has not addressed last-mile connectivity in very small or dispersed habitations. Environmental concerns about road construction in ecologically sensitive forest areas have been raised.
Related schemes
Content is editorial draft pending verification against official scheme guidelines, ministry press releases, and independent evaluations. Last reviewed: 2026-07-02.