Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan launched projects worth Rs 17.63 billion under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana to mark the scheme's silver jubilee in Madhya Pradesh. The launch at Bherunda in Sehore district described village roads as gateways to prosperity, linking education, healthcare, markets and opportunities. Bherunda falls in the Vidisha Lok Sabha constituency, which he represents for the sixth term, and he said the government under the prime minister remains committed to transforming the lives of farmers, women and the poor. A total of 973 roads spanning 2,117.52 km have been approved under PMGSY-IV at a cost of Rs 17.63 bn, covering 987 settlements across the state. The Vidisha region secured approval for 259 roads spanning 600.393 km, benefiting 264 settlements. He said roads worth more than Rs 5 bn will be constructed in the Vidisha parliamentary constituency and that all eligible roads meeting PMGSY criteria will be approved. The approvals form part of ongoing efforts to improve rural connectivity. Under PM-JANMAN, road projects spanning 384.34 km were approved at a cost of Rs 2.62 bn, covering 168 settlements in the state. Of an indicative allocation of Rs 189.07 bn for PMGSY for 2026-27, Rs 8.3 bn has been earmarked for Madhya Pradesh to reinvigorate development. During the event, the minister handed over a sanction of Rs 20.55 bn under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana Gramin to Chief Minister Mohan Yadav and directed that eligible families be physically verified for housing benefits. He said the Lakhpati Didi Abhiyan will be accelerated through self-help groups to promote economic empowerment of women and he criticised the erstwhile Congress administration for shortcomings on roads and electricity. The minister assured that no eligible farmer would be treated unfairly in wheat procurement and that efforts would continue to develop more beneficial mechanisms for land acquisition. The chief minister commended coordination between the state and the Centre, several Union and state ministers and legislators attended the event, and states and union territories with outstanding performances were honoured. The event also noted cooperation between local bodies and the Centre.