The Centre has allocated Rs 189.07 billion (Rs 189.07 bn) for FY 2026-27 for construction of 26,474 kilometres of rural roads under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and related initiatives. A high-level review convened by the Ministry of Rural Development was chaired by the Secretary, who assessed state-wise physical and financial progress under PMGSY and the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas. Senior state officials and chief executives of State Rural Roads Development Agencies attended the meeting.

The review focused on achieving saturation of rural connectivity and last-mile access. States were directed to expedite completion of unconnected habitations under PMGSY-I and PM-JANMAN, with attention to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group habitations. The Secretary urged rapid preparation of Detailed Project Reports, resolution of execution bottlenecks and timely completion of pending works. Progress under the Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Affected Areas was examined and states were asked to coordinate closely with implementing agencies.

A priority was placed on the quality and sustainability of rural road assets and on strengthening maintenance regimes. States were asked to enhance field-level inspections, improve quality monitoring and ensure robust oversight during execution to secure durable all-weather access. The universal deployment of the Electronic Maintenance of Rural Roads under PMGSY (e-MARG) platform was highlighted as a means for real-time monitoring of maintenance, performance assessment and payment tracking and is expected to improve transparency and accountability. Enhanced digital governance was presented as key to efficient asset management.

Concluding the review, the Secretary issued state-specific directions to address bottlenecks, fast-track land acquisition and forest clearances and ensure punctual compliance with project milestones. Coordination among State Governments, the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) and the Ministry was urged to accelerate execution and improve infrastructure quality. States reaffirmed commitment to complete annual targets and extend all-weather access to eligible habitations.