Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) Takes Strides to Ensure Road Maintenance

New Delhi:  In adherence to the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) guidelines, the Ministry has undertaken several measures to ensure the proper maintenance of roads constructed under this transformative program. While the maintenance responsibility primarily lies with the State governments, the Ministry has implemented a robust framework to oversee and facilitate this crucial aspect of rural infrastructure development.

One key step taken by the Ministry is the inclusion of initial five-year maintenance contracts along with the construction contracts for all road works sanctioned under the PMGSY. These contracts are awarded to the same contractor, as specified in the Standard Bidding Document, ensuring continuity in the upkeep of the roads.

To support the financial aspect of maintenance, State Governments are mandated to budget maintenance funds and allocate them to the State Rural Roads Development Agencies (SRRDAs) in separate maintenance accounts. After the expiration of the initial five-year post-construction maintenance period, PMGSY roads are transitioned to Zonal maintenance contracts, each spanning five years and including renewal cycles as per the maintenance requirements, funded by the respective State Governments.

In a strategic move to ensure continued maintenance funding during the design life of PMGSY-III roads, the program guidelines now necessitate States to enter into a Memorandum of Understanding with the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. This MoU ensures that adequate funds are allocated for the maintenance of roads constructed or upgraded under PMGSY, covering both the initial five years of routine maintenance and an additional five years, including periodic renewal as required.

Certification of the release of maintenance funds is a crucial aspect of the process, as per PMGSY guidelines. States are required to provide certification when submitting fund release proposals to the Central Government, ensuring transparency and accountability in the allocation and utilization of maintenance funds.

The Ministry has embraced digitalization with the implementation of the Electronic Maintenance of PMGSY roads (eMARG), an online platform available in all states. This platform serves to monitor the maintenance of PMGSY works for five years from the date of completion, falling under the Defect Liability Period (DLP).

Union Minister of State for Rural Development, Sadhvi Niranjan Jyoti, shared this comprehensive information in a written reply in the Lok Sabha, underscoring the government’s commitment to ensuring the longevity and quality of rural roads under the PMGSY.