Bundi, Rajasthan – Even decades after independence, rural areas that were cut off from basic amenities are now experiencing a rapid pace of development. The ‘Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana’ (PMGSY), planted by former Prime Minister, the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, on December 25, 2000, is celebrating its silver jubilee (25 years) today.
This scheme is not just about asphalt roads, but has proven to be a lifeline, bringing education, health, and prosperity to remote villages.Over the past 25 years, Rajasthan has set an example in the implementation of this scheme. The Public Works Department has so far constructed 75,000 kilometers of roads and 68 bridges across the state.
Through this, 15,983 settlements in the state have been connected with all-weather paved roads, bringing them into the mainstream of development. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, the target of connecting settlements with a population of more than 500 in general areas and more than 250 in desert/tribal areas is being successfully achieved.
Bundi District’s Fate Changed with Rs. 371 Crore
This scheme has established new dimensions of development in Bundi district. During this period, 1231 km of roads and 3 bridges were constructed, costing approximately Rs. 371 crore. Additionally, 268 settlements were connected with all-weather roads.
Strengthening in Phases
In the first phase of the scheme, 268 settlements were directly benefited by laying a network of 990 km of roads at a cost of approximately Rs. 242 crore. Additionally, 192 km of roads were strengthened.
The second phase, which began in 2013, focused on strengthening the existing network. 69 km of roads were widened in the district at a cost of ₹25 crore.
Under the third phase, which was initiated to facilitate access to agricultural markets, colleges, and hospitals, 25 roads spanning 172 km were upgraded at a cost of ₹105 crore.
Fourth Phase in Mission Mode: Focus on 1,638 New Settlements
This wheel of development has now entered its fourth phase. Under this initiative, 1,638 new settlements in the state have been identified. In the first phase, roads and a bridge are proposed for 1,216 settlements. By constructing 3,219 km of new roads at a cost of approximately ₹2,089 crore, development will reach the remotest corners of the state.
The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana has proven to be a milestone in the all-round development of rural India. Launched 25 years ago by the then Honorable Prime Minister, Shri Atal Bihari Vajpayee, with the vision of “no village in the country will be deprived of a paved road,” this scheme has proven to be a “development revolution” for the state.
To date, 75,000 km of roads and 68 bridges have been constructed in the state, connecting 15,983 settlements to the mainstream. Direct access to facilities has established new dimensions of educational, social, and economic development in the state. In this same context, 268 settlements in Bundi district have been given a new identity by constructing 1,231 km of roads and 3 bridges at a cost of ₹371 crore.