Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana–III (PMGSY-III), launched in 2019, aims to upgrade and consolidate 125,000 km of through routes and major rural links connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets, higher secondary schools and hospitals. Although the scheme was originally slated for completion by March 2025, the Government has extended the timeline to March 2026 following requests from various States and Union Territories.

Of the total 125,000 km target, 122,393 km has been sanctioned and 101,623 km — equivalent to 83 per cent of the target — had been constructed across the country as of 1 December 2025.

The expansion of rural road networks under PMGSY-III has significantly improved access to education, healthcare and agricultural markets. The scheme has delivered transformative benefits for rural households, including increased economic opportunities, improved health outcomes and enhanced quality of life. Better connectivity has enabled easier movement of goods and people, increased institutional health services and expanded opportunities for schooling.

According to a 2019 World Bank impact evaluation covering several Indian states, improved rural roads resulted in:

a 10 per cent rise in school enrolment for girls,

a 7 per cent increase in visits to health facilities, and

a 15 per cent rise in households engaged in non-agricultural employment.

An evaluation of PMGSY-III is under way by the National Council of Applied Economic Research. Previous independent studies on PMGSY have consistently found improvements in access to education and healthcare, enhanced employment generation in both farm and non-farm sectors, better farm-gate prices for agricultural producers and greater continuation of education for girls beyond primary levels.

Women in particular have benefited through increased institutional deliveries in government hospitals, improved access to markets and greater participation in household financial decisions. The scheme also advances several Sustainable Development Goals related to poverty reduction and inclusive development.

This information was provided by the Minister of State for Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan, in a written reply in the Rajya Sabha.