Centre extends Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase III till 2028, expands funding and project scope
April 18, 2026: The Union Cabinet has approved the extension of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase III from March 2025 to March 2028, with a revised outlay of ₹83,977 crore, up from ₹80,250 crore. The extension includes roads and bridges in plain areas, while bridge construction in hilly regions has been extended further till March 2029. The Cabinet also cleared 161 long-span bridge projects worth ₹961 crore, ensuring that pending works aligned with already sanctioned roads are taken forward without delays.
Launched in 2019, PMGSY Phase III focuses on upgrading 1.25 lakh km of key rural routes connecting villages to agricultural markets, schools, and healthcare facilities. So far, 1,22,393 km has been sanctioned, out of which 1,01,623 km (83%) has been completed. The extension is expected to help states finish the remaining work. Earlier phases of the scheme concentrated on providing connectivity to unserved villages, while Phase III emphasizes improving existing road networks.
Originally launched on December 25, 2000, under former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, the scheme has sanctioned over 8.25 lakh km of rural roads, with 95% already completed. It has also facilitated the construction of nearly 9,891 bridges. Phase IV, approved in 2024, aims to build 62,500 km of new roads to connect 25,000 remaining habitations by 2028-29. The programme’s progress is monitored through the Online Management, Monitoring, and Accounting System (OMMAS), supported by a three-tier quality control mechanism.