Vikramaditya seeks more funds for maintenance of rural roads

Public Works Department (PWD) Minister Vikramaditya Singh today urged the Central Government to grant speedy approval to 637 habitations awaiting verification for inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana-4.

Vikramaditya called on Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan in New Delhi. Paswan assured him of all possible assistance to the state. He informed the Union Minister that 57 per cent roads in the state had been constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). “Though Rs 250 crore is spent every year on the maintenance of these roads, the state needs more funds keeping in view tough terrains and difficult areas where these roads are located,” he added.

He urged the Union Minister for additional funds for the current financial year for the maintenance of roads. He also apprised Paswan that three roads constructed under the PMGSY-1 need to be upgraded and hence should be brought under the PMGSY-4. He thanked the Union Minister for approving road projects under the PMGSY-3 along with the extension of four works in Dodra Kwar and Bara Bhangal till March 31, 2026, under the PMGSY-1.

Senior officers of the Himachal PWD and the Union Ministry of Rural Development were present on the occasion.