Dehradun: A major initiative has been undertaken to strengthen road connectivity in the rural and remote areas of Uttarakhand. Chief Minister Pushkar Singh Dhami met Union Minister for Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chauhan in New Delhi to discuss rural road projects in the state. During the meeting, consensus was reached to grant early approval for the construction proposals of 315 motor roads and 32 bridges under Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). A total expenditure of Rs 2,708 crore has been proposed for these works. The projects aim to provide road connectivity to 610 habitations across the state.
The Chief Minister informed the Union Minister that expanding the rural road network is essential given Uttarakhand’s hilly terrain and the needs of remote areas. Under the scheme, constructing 315 motor roads spanning a total length of 1,777 kilometers is proposed at a cost of Rs 2,526 crore. Additionally, Rs 182 crore has been proposed for the construction of 32 bridges. Approving these projects is expected to improve transportation facilities in rural regions.
Improved road connectivity will facilitate villagers in accessing education, healthcare, and employment opportunities. It will help farmers transport their produce to markets, while also easing travel in tourist-significant mountainous regions. Strengthening road facilities in remote areas will also assist in transporting patients to hospitals during emergencies and ensuring the supply of essential commodities.
The meeting also discussed 213 additional road proposals for the state, spanning a total length of 1,360 kilometers. The Union Minister assured prompt consideration for the approval of these proposals as well. Approvals for these proposals are expected to further expand the rural road network in the state.
Chief Minister Dhami expressed gratitude to Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chauhan for his positive stance on the road and bridge construction proposals. He also thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi, stating that infrastructure development in Uttarakhand is gaining momentum with the support of the central government. The state government endeavors to connect remote and hilly villages to the mainstream of development by providing them with better road connectivity.
