Centre approves Rs 620 crore for rural roads in NE, hill states to boost connectivity

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaApril 5, 2025

In a major push to strengthen rural infrastructure in remote and hilly regions, the Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned road construction projects worth Rs 620.63 crore across five states—Manipur, Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, and Odisha—aiming to drive economic development and improve access to essential services.

According to an official release issued on Saturday, the newly approved projects include the construction of rural roads and long-span bridges under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and the connectivity component of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).

Manipur will receive Rs 225.15 crore for 41 rural roads stretching 280.97 km. This adds to the earlier sanctioned 56 roads totalling 502.24 km under PMGSY-III, with an estimated cost of Rs 404.72 crore.

Mizoram has been allocated Rs 67.69 crore for 7 Long Span Bridges (LSBs) spanning 373.46 meters. Previously, 17 rural roads totalling 487.50 km were approved at a cost of Rs 562.70 crore under PMGSY-III.

Himachal Pradesh will benefit from Rs 140.90 crore for the construction of 21 LSBs measuring 970.77 meters. This is in addition to 299 roads (3,123 km) and 43 bridges already sanctioned under PMGSY-III with a combined investment of Rs 3,345.82 crore.

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Uttarakhand has been sanctioned Rs 40.77 crore for 9 LSBs measuring 246 meters. Previously, the state received approval for 212 roads and 9 bridges under PMGSY-III, with an investment of Rs 1,865.34 crore.

Tripura and Odisha have been included under PM-JANMAN. Odisha will get Rs 76.47 crore for 25 rural roads measuring 84.35 km. Tripura will receive Rs 69.65 crore for 26 roads (63.27 km) and 2 LSBs.

The ministry emphasized that the initiative is not just about infrastructure—it’s about access. The roads and bridges will connect remote villages to hospitals, schools, and markets, enhancing mobility and livelihood opportunities for rural populations. The improved connectivity is expected to boost local economies, promote trade, and integrate isolated communities into the broader development framework.