40,000 km of roads built in Chhattisgarh in 25 years under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana

Prime Minister Modi praises rural road development in the state during State Foundation Day celebrations

Raipur, Nov 2025 : Over the last 25 years, the vast network of roads built across villages in Chhattisgarh has transformed the state’s rural landscape. Today, the changes brought about by new roads in villages can be clearly seen. The Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), launched in 2000 by former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee to connect rural India with all-weather roads, has proved to be a transformative initiative for rural regions across the country, including Chhattisgarh.

40,000 km of Roads Constructed in 25 Years Under PMGSY

Through this scheme, nearly 40,000 kilometres of rural roads have been constructed in Chhattisgarh. Before the formation of the state, the average road density here was even lower than in the northeastern states. At that time, rural areas in Chhattisgarh had only about 4,200 kilometres of roads. This alone reflected the low standard of living and difficult accessibility faced by people. The launch of PMGSY marked the beginning of a new era of rural prosperity in India. Roads are not just means of transport—they are powerful instruments of socio-economic transformation.

A Dense Road Network Across Villages

Today, the robust network of rural roads has created a strong foundation for good governance and the vision of Antyodaya (upliftment of the last person). Farmers can easily transport their paddy harvest from fields to procurement centres. Ration supplies under the Public Distribution System now reach remote areas effortlessly. Cases of irregularities in supplying nutrition to Anganwadi centres have significantly reduced. Roads have also played a crucial role in improving access to healthcare services.

The expansion of roads has enhanced the mobility of rural populations. People are adopting new avenues of employment and self-employment. Many villagers recall how difficult road conditions once were—narrating stories of crossing rivers and streams on foot to reach neighbouring villages. The scheme has empowered them in remarkable ways. With black-topped roads, along with newly built bridges and culverts, travel has now become smooth and safe.

Rapid Rural Road Construction in the First 16 Years

In the first 16 years after the state’s formation, rural road construction picked up tremendous pace. Nearly 32,000 kilometres of paved roads and several bridges and culverts were built, connecting more than 10,500 habitations.
So far, under the scheme, 8,310 roads spanning 40,415 kilometres and 426 major bridges have been completed.

In the second and third phases of PMGSY, the focus shifted to strengthening and upgrading roads older than 10 years. Under these phases, 534 roads covering 5,583 kilometres and 82 major bridges have been built. All approved projects have been completed in full.

Impact in Left-Wing Extremism (LWE) Affected Areas

The plan has proven especially effective in combating Naxalism in Left-Wing Extremism-affected districts. In these areas, 12,459 kilometres of roads have been constructed, connecting 3,853 habitations to the mainstream. This connectivity has opened new avenues for livelihood, education, healthcare, and improved security systems.

Prime Minister Modi Praises Chhattisgarh’s Progress

Speaking at the inauguration ceremony of the State Foundation Day celebrations, Prime Minister Narendra Modi praised the state’s progress, saying:

“I used to visit Chhattisgarh even before it became a separate state. At that time, reaching the villages was extremely difficult. Many villages did not have any roads at all. In the last 25 years, the state has made remarkable progress. Today, a network of over 40,000 kilometres of roads connects villages across Chhattisgarh.”

Deputy Chief Minister Highlights the Vision for the Future

Deputy Chief Minister and Panchayat & Rural Development Minister Vijay Sharma said that connecting villages through roads and empowering rural communities under the leadership of Chief Minister Vishnudev Sai is a strong example of Chhattisgarh’s continued efforts toward achieving the vision of Aatmanirbhar Bharat (self-reliant India).

He added that under the fourth phase of PMGSY, the state plans to construct more than 8,000 kilometres of roads in tribal and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG)-dominated areas. Roads will be prioritised in habitations covered under the Dharati Aaba Tribal Village Utkarsh Yojana, the Pradhan Mantri Janman Yojana, and in aspirational districts.