Centre Targets Over 26,000 Kilometres Of Rural Roads In FY 2026-27

24 Jun 2026 CW Team

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.

"Join industry leaders at RAHSTA Expo, India's premier platform for roads, highways and traffic infrastructure. Register now to explore innovations, network with experts and shape the future of mobility."

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.

Real Estate

16 Jul 2026

Bharat Shah Family Buys Four Luxury Apartments In Worli For Rs1.8 bn

The family of veteran investor Bharat Shah has acquired four ultra-luxury apartments on the higher floors of Kalpataru One in Worli, South Mumbai, for Rs1.8 billion (bn). The purchases were registered on 6 July 2026 and were executed through Preeti Bharat Shah and Kinnari Bharat Shah, who bought the flats from Kalpataru Properties Limited. Property registration documents reviewed by Zapkey show the total consideration at Rs1.7941 billion. The transactions recorded a per square foot RERA carpet price of Rs0.101 million (mn), with each apartment valued at about Rs448.5 million. The four residenc..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jul 2026

NITI Aayog Consultation On Critical Mineral Supply Chains

NITI Aayog convened a stakeholder consultation in New Delhi on Wednesday to assess requirements for critical minerals across strategic sectors, bringing together experts from government, research institutions, academia and industry. The meeting aimed to estimate current and future demand, identify supply chain vulnerabilities and discuss measures to strengthen domestic capabilities in exploration, processing and recycling. The exercise formed part of broader efforts to secure mineral value chains essential for economic growth, technological advancement and national security.\n\nDiscussions con..

Infrastructure Urban

16 Jul 2026

Gujarat Tops India in Renewable Energy With 50.386 GW Capacity

Gujarat has emerged as India’s leading renewable energy state with a total installed renewable energy capacity of 50.386 GW, according to the Chief Minister’s Office. The capacity includes 15,850.56 megawatt (MW) of wind power and 32,302.7 megawatt (MW) of solar power, and the state accounts for 17.82 per cent of India’s total renewable energy capacity. The state ranks first in installed wind capacity and second in solar capacity. Gujarat has also installed more than 1.3 million (mn) rooftop solar systems generating 7,408.10 megawatt (MW). Ground mounted solar projects account for 23,259..