New Delhi (Gurpreet Singh): The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, on Saturday, April 18, 2026, approved the continuation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) until March 2028. This extension aims to consolidate through-routes and major rural links, specifically focusing on connecting habitations to Gramin Agricultural Markets (GrAMs), Higher Secondary Schools, and Hospitals. The Ministry of Rural Development confirmed a revised total outlay of ₹83,977 crore for the scheme, which includes an additional allocation of over ₹3,727 crore to address connectivity challenges in remote regions.
The revised schedule provides a staggered timeline for various terrains: road and bridge projects in plain areas and road works in hilly regions are now slated for completion by March 2028, while the deadline for bridge construction in hilly areas has been pushed to March 2029. Furthermore, the Ministry announced that projects sanctioned before March 31, 2025, which have not yet been awarded, are now permitted to proceed to the tendering and awarding stage. This decision is expected to clear a significant backlog of infrastructure works that were previously stalled due to administrative or geographical hurdles.
According to government officials, the extension is a critical step toward achieving the “Viksit Bharat 2047” vision by bridging the rural-urban divide. The enhanced connectivity is projected to boost the rural economy by reducing transportation costs and time for agricultural products, thereby increasing rural incomes. Beyond economic gains, the government emphasized that improved roads would ensure the timely delivery of essential healthcare and education services to underserved populations. The continued construction activity is also expected to generate substantial direct and indirect employment opportunities across the country’s rural belt.
