GANGTOK, : Lok Sabha MP Indra Hang Subba expressed that Sikkim stands to
benefit through rural road expansion across India proposed under PMGSY-IV
launched in 2024.
PMGSY-IV
was launched in 2024 for construction of 62,500 km of all-weather roads (single
lane) to provide connectivity to about 25,000 unconnected habitations across
rural India including North East and Hill States.
The
survey work is presently undergoing to identify the eligible unconnected
habitation as per population norms and PMGSY- IV will be implemented from
2024–2025 to 2028–2029, said Rural Development Minister of State Kamlesh Paswan
on Tuesday in a written statement.
Paswan
was replying in the Parliament in response to the questions submitted by the
Sikkim Lok Sabha MP.
Pradhan
Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has been playing a catalyst’s role in
uplifting rural India by improving connectivity to remote and underserved
villages.
“In
Sikkim, the PMGSY over the years has connected our remote villages, many of
whom are sparsely populated and located in challenging terrains. As rural
settlements in our State increase, there is further need of PMGSY expansion in
Sikkim to boost inter-village connectivity, enhancing accessibility and
economic opportunities for our rural populace,” said Indra Hang.
In
this context, the Lok Sabha MP had submitted questions to Ministry of Rural
Development regarding the status of PMGSY roads in Sikkim.
Replying
to his questions, the Rural Development MoS informed the Parliament that in
Sikkim State, a total of 5,220 km of road length has been sanctioned under
various verticals/intervention out of which 4,730 km length has already been
constructed.
The
Lok Sabha MP, in a press statement, asserted that the PMGSY has played a
crucial role in empowerment of rural Sikkim by providing road connectivity.
With improved roads, villagers can access healthcare, education, markets, and
government services more easily, reducing isolation, he says.
His
home village in remote Hee Gaon in West Sikkim was also connected to the
State’s mainstream through a PMGSY road.
By
improving infrastructure, PMGSY has played a key role in empowering rural
communities and promoting inclusive development across India as envisioned by
Late Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, said Indra Hang.
