Shillong, Jan 29: Deputy Chief Minister incharge PWD (Roads) Prestone Tynsong on Monday said he is confident in achieving 100% completion of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) projects by the end of March, 2024.
Speaking to reporters after a meeting, he mentioned that while some crucial projects are still ongoing, the implementation of PMGSY 3 is under process, and some contractors have already finished their work.
‘I don’t have much details of the length under PMGSY 1 and 2 since it was covered by Census and started from 2003. The mission was to connect to villages that were not connected by road. As for PMGSY 3, it is for upgradation and re-carpeting of the existing state road and the target for this is 1,250 km,’ said Tynsong.
He also informed that the government has invested over Rs.10,000 crores in the road sector since 2018.
On asked about the dilapidated condition of roads in rural areas, the Minister said that addressing the backlog of road issues in the state is a gradual process and cannot be accomplished overnight.
He also mentioned that he has instructed officials, including junior engineers, to ensure good quality in the construction of new roads, downplaying concerns about poor road quality.
Launched by the Government of India, PMGSY’s objective is to connect rural areas with a population of 500 or more (based on the 2001 census) by building all-weather roads. These roads should have the necessary structures like culverts and drainage to ensure they can be used throughout the year.