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Arunachal Pradesh has completed 1,254 out of 1,309 roads sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), reaching about 96 percent progress in rural road development. The update was shared in the state Assembly by Rural Works Department minister Pasang Dorjee Sona. The remaining projects are mainly located in remote and difficult areas where construction has been affected by long monsoon seasons, landslides, terrain challenges and local land-related issues. The state government has requested the central government to extend the deadline until March 2027 and has also sought relaxation in eligibility norms to improve connectivity in smaller habitations.
Arunachal Pradesh has completed 1,254 out of the 1,309 roads approved under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), achieving about 96 percent progress in rural road connectivity projects across the state. The information was shared in the Legislative Assembly by Rural Works Department minister Pasang Dorjee Sona while responding to questions related to infrastructure development in rural regions.
The minister explained that most of the remaining road works fall under PMGSY Phase-I and are located in remote and geographically challenging parts of the state. These projects have experienced delays mainly due to environmental conditions and logistical issues that affect construction activity in several districts.
One of the key reasons for delays is the long monsoon season in Arunachal Pradesh, which significantly shortens the working period available for road construction each year. Heavy rainfall, landslides and unstable hill slopes often disrupt ongoing work and make it difficult to transport construction materials to project sites. The state's mountainous terrain and remote habitations further add to the complexity of implementing large-scale infrastructure projects.
The minister also indicated that local challenges have affected progress in some locations. In a few areas, land-related issues and demands for compensation have slowed the execution of projects. However, he clarified that compensation for land acquisition is not part of the PMGSY framework. Local communities were urged to support road construction activities as these projects are meant to improve connectivity and access for villages.
Residents were also encouraged to remain involved in monitoring the construction work in their areas. According to the minister, community participation can help ensure that projects are implemented properly and that road quality is maintained during construction.
Another issue highlighted during the discussion was the use of nanotechnology in road construction materials introduced under central guidelines. The state government has reported that this technology has not been very effective in Arunachal Pradesh because of the region's unique terrain and climatic conditions. The matter has been raised with the central government several times, although a response is still awaited.
The central government has not approved an extension for completing the remaining PMGSY Phase-I roads. Despite this, the state government has formally requested that the deadline be extended until March 2027 so that the unfinished projects can be completed without compromising construction quality.
Along with the extension request, Arunachal Pradesh has also proposed changes in the eligibility criteria under the PMGSY scheme. The state has asked the Centre to relax the population norms so that smaller and scattered habitations can also be included under the programme. Officials believe this would help improve connectivity in remote settlements where population density is low but road access remains essential.
In addition to PMGSY projects, the state government has been undertaking road construction through its own development programmes to address connectivity gaps. Some roads are being developed under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive State Rural Development Programme (CMCSRDP), which focuses on providing infrastructure support in areas that are not covered under central schemes.
The PMGSY programme was launched by the central government to provide all-weather road connectivity to eligible rural habitations across the country. In a state like Arunachal Pradesh, where many villages are located in difficult terrain and far from urban centres, these road projects play an important role in improving access to healthcare, education, markets and administrative services.
Source PTI
FAQ
1. What progress has Arunachal Pradesh made under the PMGSY scheme?
Arunachal Pradesh has completed 1,254 out of 1,309 roads sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), achieving around 96 percent progress in rural road connectivity. The update was shared in the state Legislative Assembly during discussions on infrastructure development.
2. Who provided the update on the PMGSY road projects?
The information was presented by Pasang Dorjee Sona while responding to questions related to rural infrastructure. He noted that most of the remaining road projects fall under PMGSY Phase-I and are located in remote parts of the state.
3. Why have some PMGSY road projects been delayed?
Several factors have affected the completion of the remaining roads. These include the long monsoon season, heavy rainfall, landslides and unstable hill slopes. The mountainous terrain and remote locations also make it difficult to transport construction materials and machinery to project sites.
4. What request has the state government made to the central government?
The state government has requested the central government to extend the deadline for completing the remaining PMGSY Phase-I projects until March 2027. Officials said this additional time would help complete the roads while maintaining construction quality in difficult terrain.
5. Are there any local issues affecting the projects?
Yes, in some areas land-related issues and demands for compensation have slowed down construction work. However, officials clarified that compensation for land acquisition is not included in the PMGSY framework. Authorities have urged local communities to support the projects since they are meant to improve connectivity and access for rural villages.
6. What concerns were raised about construction technology used in the roads?
The state government indicated that nanotechnology-based materials introduced under central guidelines have not been very effective in the region's terrain and climate conditions. This concern has been raised with the central government, and officials are awaiting further response.
7. Are there other programmes supporting rural road development in the state?
Apart from PMGSY, the state government is also constructing roads under the Chief Minister's Comprehensive State Rural Development Programme (CMCSRDP). These projects are aimed at improving connectivity in areas that are not covered under central schemes and helping address remaining infrastructure gaps in remote habitations.
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