Are 510 Out of 3,986 PMGSY Roads Found to Be of Poor Quality?
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Synopsis
A recent inspection reveals alarming findings regarding rural road quality under PMGSY. With 510 projects flagged as unsatisfactory, this raises concerns about infrastructure standards and monitoring processes. Discover the implications behind these statistics and the steps being taken for improvement.
Key Takeaways
- 510 roads under PMGSY found to be of poor quality.
- NQMs inspected 3,986 completed projects over three years.
- Quality Monitoring Cells to be established for better oversight.
- Promoting green technologies for sustainable construction.
- Joint inspections by local leaders to enhance transparency.
New Delhi, Dec 5 (NationPress) A thorough examination of rural road infrastructure by National Quality Monitors (NQMs) over the past three years and extending into 2025-26 revealed that 510 completed projects under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are of unsatisfactory quality, as reported to the Rajya Sabha on Friday.
The Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan stated that during this review, a total of 3,986 completed projects were assessed.
He noted that the findings for 2025-26 are derived from inspections completed by November 30.
Among the 9,214 ongoing projects evaluated by the monitors under the PMGSY, a concerning 783 were classified as unsatisfactory, Paswan indicated.
Additionally, the quality assessment of 252 bridge projects was deemed unsatisfactory following the inspection of 1,888 initiatives, according to the MoS.
To bolster on-ground quality monitoring, it has become essential to establish a Quality Monitoring Cell within each State Rural Road Development Agency (SRRDA). State Quality Coordinators (SQCs) have been assigned the responsibility of reviewing all reports from Supervising Quality Monitors (SQMs) and certifying their findings to the Ministry.
Paswan highlighted that the highest incidence of completed road projects with quality issues was reported from Odisha, where 66 out of 304 projects were flagged by monitors. Assam followed with 53 unsatisfactory projects identified out of 242 inspected by NQMs.
The data provided by the MoS revealed that in Bihar, 324 completed projects were evaluated, with 37 deemed of poor quality. In Uttar Pradesh, 479 projects were reviewed, resulting in 35 classified as unsatisfactory.
In Uttarakhand, 143 road projects were inspected, with 33 found to be poor in quality. In West Bengal, 138 were reviewed and 19 graded unsatisfactory; in Meghalaya, 146 inspected and 32 found lacking; in Maharashtra, 114 assessed with 13 unsatisfactory; in Karnataka, 153 evaluated and 21 found lacking; and in Jharkhand, 170 inspected with 34 reported unsatisfactory.
To foster transparency and effective oversight, the PMGSY program guidelines stipulate that the Superintending Engineer of a region will invite the relevant Member of Parliament and the Zila Panchayat Pramukh from that area every six months to select PMGSY projects for a joint inspection.
Moreover, to enhance durability and cost-effectiveness, the PMGSY promotes the utilization of approved green and alternative technologies. These include cold mix, waste-plastic mixes, fly ash, cement-stabilized bases, and locally sourced materials, particularly in hilly and remote regions. Such technologies aim to decrease energy consumption, elevate performance in challenging landscapes, and reduce lifecycle costs.
Point of View
It is imperative that we acknowledge the concerning reports emerging from the recent inspections of rural roads under the PMGSY. While the findings raise valid concerns about quality and oversight, they also highlight the need for enhanced monitoring mechanisms and the implementation of innovative technologies to ensure infrastructure development is both sustainable and effective for rural communities.
NationPress
05/12/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the PMGSY?
The Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) is a government initiative aimed at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected villages in India.
What were the findings of the NQMs?
The National Quality Monitors reported that 510 out of 3,986 inspected road projects under PMGSY were of unsatisfactory quality.
Which states reported the highest number of unsatisfactory projects?
Odisha and Assam reported the highest number of unsatisfactory projects, with 66 and 53 respectively.
What measures are being taken to improve quality?
To improve quality, a Quality Monitoring Cell will be established, and the use of approved green technologies will be encouraged in road construction.
How does the PMGSY ensure project transparency?
The PMGSY guidelines mandate joint inspections of projects by local MPs and Zila Panchayat heads every six months to ensure transparency and accountability.
