Lok Sabha Question No. 2615 (UNSTARRED), answered on 2025-08-05
Subject: All Weather Roads
Ministry: RURAL DEVELOPMENT
Asked by: Shri Shrirang Appa Chandu Barne

## GOVERNMENT OF INDIA MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT

## LOK SABHA UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 2615 ANSWERED ON 05/08/2025

## ALL WEATHER ROADS

## 2615. Shri ShrirangAppaChanduBarne:

Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:

- (a) whether the Government has quantifiable data on the economic  and  social  impact  of  improved  rural  connectivity, such as increased market access for farmers, better access to healthcare and education, and reduced transport costs; and
- (b) the mechanisms in place to ensure the quality and durability of roads  constructed  under  Pradhan  Mantri  Gram  SadakYojana (PMGSY) especially considering the varied terrain and climatic conditions?

## ANSWER

## MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)

(a): A total of 8,38,611 km road length has been sanctioned under various verticals/ interventions of Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY), as on 1.08.2025, out of  which  7,83,566  km road length has been completed. Further, as on 1.08.2025, a total of 1.62 lakh habitations in the country have been provided all-weather connectivity  through  PMGSY-I  roads.  Also,  a total  of  6.96  lakh facilities have been connected in rural areas so far under PMGSY-III, which  include  1.38  lakh  Gramin  Agricultural  Markets,  1.46  lakh Educational  Centres,  82  thousand  Medical  Centres  and  3.28  lakh transport and other facility Centres.

Several  impact  assessment  studies,  conducted  by  reputed institutions  and  agencies,  including  NITI  Aayog's  Development Monitoring and Evaluation Office (DMEO), World Bank, Birla Institute of Technology and Science(BITS) Pilani, Indian Institute of Management (IIM), Ahmedabad, and the International

LabourOrganisation  (ILO),  have  stated  the  transformative  role  of PMGSY roads in rural development.

The DMEO study (2020) found that PMGSY is well aligned with Sustainable  Development  Goals  (SDGs)  2  and  9,  as  it  contributes significantly  to  reducing  poverty  and  hunger  while  creating  rural infrastructure for growth. The study highlighted that roads constructed  under  the  scheme  generate  positive  impacts  both  at the  household and community levels, enabling access to markets, livelihoods, healthcare, and education, and laying the foundation for long-term poverty reduction through asset  and  human  capital accumulation.

The  World  Bank's  impact  evaluation  (2018)  observed  an  8% increase in crop volumes taken to markets, a 13% rise in primary employment in the non-farm sector, and a 30% reduction in home deliveries,  reflecting  better  health  access  after  construction  of PMGSY  roads.  Farmers  travelled  significantly  farther  to  secure better prices, indicating improved market integration.

Similarly,  the  BITS  Pilani  study  (2016)  reported  increased school enrollment-especially among girls-greater access to health facilities, and enhanced women's participation in financial decisionmaking. PMGSY roads were also linked to increased commuting for employment in nearby urban areas.

The Poverty and Social Impact Assessment by the World Bank (2014) in Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh highlighted enhanced  labour  market  access,  higher  incomes,  occupational diversification,  and  increased  economic  mobility,  particularly  for women due to construction of PMGSY roads.

Findings from the ILO study (2015) showed  changes  in cropping patterns, higher household incomes in farming and services,  and  improved  awareness  of  sanitation  and  hygiene  in habitations with well-maintained PMGSY roads.

The  IIM Ahmedabad  study  (2017)  further confirmed that PMGSY roads significantly improved travel speed and connectivity to  administrative  and  service  centres,  and  that  the  quality  of PMGSY  roads  is  superior  to  non-PMGSY  roads.  Socio-economic benefits were found to be inclusive, often benefiting poorer sections of rural society more substantially.

In summary, these evaluations collectively confirm that PMGSY has led to measurable improvements in agricultural income,

employment  generation, market access, education and health indicators,  and  social  inclusion,  thereby  playing  a  pivotal  role  in uplifting rural India.

- (b): To  ensure  the  quality  and  durability  of  roads  constructed under  PMGSY,  the  Government  has  instituted  a  comprehensive three-tier quality monitoring system:
1. First-tier (Internal Quality Control): Implementing agencies are responsible for regular in-house quality checks during all stages of road construction. Dedicated quality control laboratories are set up at the district and state levels.
2. Second-tier (State Quality Monitors-SQMs): Appointed by the State Governments, conduct periodic inspections and grade the works based on construction quality, adherence to standards, and durability.
3. Third-tier (National Quality Monitors-NQMs): The Ministry of Rural Development deploys empaneled experts across the country to undertake surprise inspections of works. Their reports directly inform corrective measures and funding decisions.

In addition, technological innovations such as the Online Management, Monitoring and Accounting System (OMMAS) and Geotagging of road assets through  GIS-based tools are used to enhance transparency, track progress, and ensure compliance.

Further, considering the diverse terrain and climatic challenges in appropriate panelled coir/jute  geotextiles-are  encouraged  to

States/ UTs, design adaptations and use of materials/technologies-such as cement stabilisation, concrete,  and  use of enhance performance and sustainability.

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