Dehradun: Uttarakhand is seeking central approval for 528 new rural roads covering approximately 2,850 kilometres under the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV). The state estimates the project cost at ₹3,704 crore and has also proposed constructing 19 bridges to improve connectivity in rural and remote areas.
The state government expects the Centre to approve the proposal by the end of October or the first week of November 2026. If approved, the project will open the way for additional road construction in villages and settlements that still face connectivity challenges.
Rural Development Minister Bharat Chaudhary said the government aims to move the project forward after receiving central approval and completing the necessary formalities.
528 New Roads to Improve Rural Connectivity
The proposed project aims to expand Uttarakhand’s rural road network under PMGSY’s fourth phase. The 528 roads will cover around 2,850 km, with an estimated expenditure of ₹3,704 crore.
For residents of remote villages, better road connectivity can make everyday travel easier. In several parts of the hill state, people still have to cover considerable distances on foot to reach motorable roads. New routes could help residents access markets, schools, hospitals and other essential services more conveniently.
Improved connectivity can also support the movement of agricultural produce and local goods, potentially helping rural communities connect with nearby markets. However, the actual benefits will depend on the locations selected for construction, the quality of the roads and the time taken to complete the projects.
The proposal remains subject to approval from the central government. The estimated project cost should not be treated as an already sanctioned budget.
19 Bridges Included in the Proposal
Along with the 528 roads, the state has proposed constructing 19 bridges. These structures could help address connectivity problems in areas where streams, seasonal water channels and other natural obstacles disrupt movement.
During the monsoon, water crossings and damaged routes can make travel difficult for people living in hilly settlements. Bridges, along with all-weather roads, can help maintain more reliable links between villages and nearby service centres.
The benefits will depend on where the bridges are built and how effectively they address existing gaps in the road network. Their construction will proceed through the relevant approval and implementation processes.
Tenders May Follow Within One to Two Months of Approval
The Uttarakhand government has set a target of completing the tender process within one to two months after receiving central approval for the proposal.
The next steps will include completing departmental formalities and issuing tenders for the selected road and bridge works. The construction schedule will become clearer once these procedures move forward.
The government hopes to avoid unnecessary delays after approval so that work can progress in rural areas. However, the proposed timeline depends on the approval process and subsequent administrative and tendering procedures.
Work Progresses on 1,492 Previously Approved Roads
Alongside the new proposal, Uttarakhand is also advancing road projects that have already received approval under PMGSY-IV.
The state has secured approval for 1,492 roads under the scheme. According to Rural Development Minister Bharat Chaudhary, the tender process has been completed for 184 of these roads, while construction has begun on around 120.
The government plans to start work on the remaining approved roads within approximately one week to a month, according to the minister.
These figures represent a separate category from the proposed 528 new roads. While the 1,492 roads have already received approval and are at different stages of implementation, the additional 528-road package is still awaiting the Centre’s decision.
Uttarakhand’s Rural Road Projects Exceed ₹5,000 Crore in Scope
Taken together, the previously approved road projects and the new proposal represent a road development plan worth more than ₹5,000 crore, according to the state government.
The new proposal alone accounts for an estimated ₹3,704 crore. Its inclusion in the broader development plan does not mean that the amount has already been approved or released.
The state has also set a target of connecting rural settlements that currently lack road access over the next two to three years. Expanding the road network is particularly important in Uttarakhand, where mountainous terrain and difficult weather conditions can make access to essential services challenging.
Central Approval Will Determine the Next Phase
The immediate priority is securing central approval for the 528 proposed roads and 19 bridges. Once the proposal receives clearance, the state can move towards tendering and construction.
For rural residents, the project could mean easier access to education, healthcare, markets and other essential services. Better road links can also strengthen connections between remote settlements and nearby economic centres.
The pace of implementation will determine how quickly these benefits reach communities that remain poorly connected. For now, the proposal marks another planned step in Uttarakhand’s effort to expand rural connectivity under PMGSY-IV.
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