Chhattisgarh has once again ranked among India’s top-performing states in rural road development, securing central approval for 774 new roads spanning 2,426.875 km under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV. The approval was formally communicated by Union Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan in a letter to Chief Minister Shri Vishnu Deo Sai.
This phase marks the country’s first large-scale push to provide all-weather connectivity to eligible unconnected habitations under the new PMGSY-IV guidelines, setting the groundwork for long-term rural mobility and economic resilience.
According to official state data, Chhattisgarh has so far been sanctioned 9,722 roads (48,594 km) and 669 bridges across various PMGSY phases. Of these, 8,753 roads (43,380 km) and 470 bridges have already been completed — a performance the Centre has repeatedly praised.
Officials say the newly sanctioned projects will accelerate rural connectivity, especially in remote, forested and underserved settlements where access remains limited.
Boost to Markets, Healthcare, Education and Welfare Services
The Union Ministry noted that the creation of all-weather road links would transform access to markets, schools, healthcare facilities, nutrition services, disaster response units, and daily commuting options. Moreover, smoother mobility is expected to strengthen rural livelihoods and ensure more reliable access to welfare schemes, ultimately enhancing socio-economic development across the state.
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Union Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan congratulated the state’s implementation teams, saying they have shown “consistent excellence” in PMGSY execution. He emphasized that the Centre is committed to ensuring the scheme’s benefits reach every targeted habitation and that rural development in Chhattisgarh continues to gain momentum.
Chief Minister Sai Calls Approval a ‘Historic Step’
Welcoming the sanction, Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai said the approval marks a turning point for the state’s rural infrastructure mission.
He stated: “The sanction of 774 new roads under PMGSY will give fresh momentum to our rural development efforts. This is a historic step toward ensuring all-weather connectivity to remote and unconnected habitations. I express my heartfelt gratitude to Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi and Union Rural Development Minister Shri Shivraj Singh Chouhan. Our government is committed to providing safe, strong, all-season road connectivity to every village in Chhattisgarh, uplifting rural economy, education, healthcare, and public welfare.”
The state government is expected to begin work on the sanctioned projects soon, with an emphasis on timely completion and improved last-mile connectivity.