Dehradun: The central government has approved over 10,000 kilometers of rural road projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-4 (PMGSY-4) for Uttarakhand and five other states. These new roads will connect approximately 3,270 villages across India, improving access to health, education, and markets, particularly in remote and disaster-prone areas of Uttarakhand.
Roads to Improve Access in Remote and Disaster-Prone Areas
Uttarakhand’s hilly villages still face major connectivity challenges, with hospitals, schools, and markets often far away. The PMGSY-4 initiative prioritizes remote and disaster-sensitive areas, ensuring that even small villages with a population of 250 or more (based on 2011 census) gain access to all-weather roads.
Currently, thousands of kilometers of rural roads in Uttarakhand are either non-existent, unpaved, or not usable in all seasons. Roads often get damaged during heavy rains, landslides, or floods, cutting off villages for months. The new projects aim to improve existing roads and build new all-weather roads.
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Bridges to Ensure Year-Round Connectivity
The PMGSY-4 plan also includes the construction of bridges at critical locations, which is vital for Uttarakhand, where rivers and streams often wash away roads during monsoon. These bridges will ensure uninterrupted connectivity and safe travel for residents throughout the year.
Boost to Health, Education, and Local Economy
With better road connectivity, healthcare, education, and employment opportunities will reach remote villages more easily. Farmers, orchard owners, and self-employed workers will find it easier to transport their produce to markets, and rural tourism and homestay businesses are expected to get a major boost.
National Goal: 62,500 km of All-Weather Rural Roads
The PMGSY-4 scheme aims to construct 62,500 km of rural roads nationwide that are usable in all weather conditions. Uttarakhand and other hilly states are being given special priority to ensure that remote villages are connected safely and efficiently, transforming access and boosting the local economy.
