Shivraj Singh Chouhan Demands Quality, Timely PMGSY Rural Road Execution
Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan warns against delays and poor construction in PMGSY projects, demanding strict quality control and timely execution.
Union Minister for Agriculture and Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, has issued a stern warning to officials and engineers regarding the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Speaking at a National Brainstorming Workshop at Bharat Mandapam in New Delhi, Chouhan emphasized that the next phase of the scheme must prioritize "quality connectivity" over mere routine construction.
Focus on Quality and Concrete Solutions
Addressing a gathering of PMGSY secretaries, chief engineers, and experts from across the country, Chouhan urged participants to move beyond formal rituals and find innovative solutions to practical, ground-level challenges. He stressed that the goal is not just to build roads, but to ensure they are durable and serve the community effectively.
Recalling Mahatma Gandhi’s vision, the Minister noted that India's holistic development is impossible without developing its villages. He shared a personal anecdote from his childhood, describing the 13-kilometre journey on horseback through muddy terrain to reach Bhopal for his studies. He highlighted the human cost of poor infrastructure, noting how the lack of roads has historically forced critically ill patients and pregnant women to be carried on cots, often leading to tragic fatalities during transit.
Strict Action Against Delays and Substandard Work
The Union Minister took a firm stance against administrative delays and poor planning. He highlighted several key areas for immediate improvement:
- Tendering Delays: Chouhan noted that while a 72-day timeline is mandated between project approval and the start of construction, several states are violating this rule. He directed that a comprehensive record of such states be maintained.
- Pre-Tender Planning: To prevent repeated tender cancellations or lack of bids, he called for proactive "pre-tender planning" to avoid rising material costs and stalled projects.
- Clearance Bottlenecks: He criticized the "game of exchanging letters" regarding forest and environmental clearances, instructing officials to work directly with the Environment Department and District Collectors for one-time resolutions.
- Zero Tolerance for Poor Quality: Chouhan declared that no compromise on construction quality would be tolerated, warning that any agency found performing substandard work will face consequences.
Adapting to Local Geography
Chouhan pointed out that a "one-size-fits-all" engineering model is ineffective given India's diverse geography. He urged officials to account for local gradients, drainage, and weather patterns—such as floods and landslides—when preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). He warned that a road becomes a liability if poor drainage causes water to flood nearby villagers' homes.
Reflecting on the legacy of the late Atal Bihari Vajpayee, Chouhan noted that PMGSY has already transformed rural economies through the construction of approximately 8.50 lakh kilometres of roads. Looking ahead, he highlighted the ambitious target under PMGSY-IV to construct 62,000 kilometres of new roads, with 20,000 kilometres already approved for execution.