Kangra District Achieves Milestone with 570 Settlements Approved for Road Connectivity Under PMGSY: Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj
Dharamshala, March 28: In a major boost to rural infrastructure in Himachal Pradesh, a total of 570 settlements in Kangra district have been approved for road connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). This development marks the highest number of settlements connected in any district of the state under the central government’s rural road connectivity scheme.
The announcement was made by Union Minister of State for Rural Development Kamlesh Paswan, in response to a question raised by MP Dr. Rajeev Bhardwaj in the Lok Sabha. Paswan highlighted that the PMGSY has made significant strides in improving road infrastructure across Himachal Pradesh, providing rural areas with better access to transportation and services.
Road Connectivity Milestones in Himachal Pradesh
As part of the PMGSY initiative, a total of 2,562 settlements across Himachal Pradesh have been approved for connection to the road network, with 2,544 settlements successfully linked to roads so far. The remaining 18 settlements are still pending, with work ongoing. The PMGSY aims to provide all-weather road access to rural areas, thereby improving the quality of life and boosting economic opportunities for rural communities.
According to Paswan’s statement, road connectivity projects have been approved in several districts of Himachal Pradesh, benefiting various regions. Some of the significant developments include the approval of road networks for 570 settlements in Kangra, 442 in Mandi, 299 in Chamba, and 315 in Shimla. The scheme also extends to more remote and inaccessible regions, with roadworks approved for districts such as Kinnaur, Lahaul-Spiti, and Solan, further enhancing connectivity for the state’s rural population.
Kangra District’s Achievement
The approval of 570 settlements for road connectivity in Kangra district stands out as the highest among all districts in Himachal Pradesh. This accomplishment is particularly significant for the region, as it opens up numerous rural areas that were previously cut off from major road networks. With improved road access, people in these settlements can expect better access to healthcare, education, markets, and other essential services, helping bridge the gap between urban and rural living standards.
The increased connectivity is expected to not only improve the daily lives of residents but also stimulate economic growth by making transportation of goods and services easier. Kangra, being a major tourist and agricultural hub, will benefit significantly from improved infrastructure, which will help local farmers and businesses reach larger markets.
Ongoing Efforts and Pending Work
While much progress has been made, there is still some work pending. In particular, work for 7 settlements in Chamba, 1 in Kangra, 4 in Kullu, and 8 in Shimla is still under progress. However, the PMGSY has already made significant strides, and efforts are being made to complete the pending works as soon as possible.
Paswan also noted that while Mandi district was approved for 442 settlements, work has already been completed for 444 settlements, underscoring the commitment to achieving full connectivity under the PMGSY in Himachal Pradesh.
A Future of Better Connectivity
This remarkable achievement under the PMGSY reflects the ongoing efforts of the central and state governments to enhance rural development through infrastructure improvement. The scheme’s success in Kangra and across Himachal Pradesh will have long-term positive effects, especially in terms of rural development, economic empowerment, and access to essential services.
For Kangra, the approval of 570 settlements is not just a statistic—it’s a promise of better opportunities for its rural residents, ensuring that the benefits of road connectivity reach even the most remote corners of the district. With the continued implementation of PMGSY, Himachal Pradesh is set to see further growth in its rural infrastructure, contributing to a more connected and prosperous future for its people.
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