As government initiatives push forward rural road development, the hope remains that these villages will soon find themselves linked to a future of greater possibilities

In the mountains, roads are more than just paths from one place to another—they are lifelines. They connect people to schools, hospitals, and markets, making daily life easier and opportunities more accessible. For many remote villages in Uttarakhand, however, the wait for a proper road continues, shaping everyday realities in ways that outsiders rarely see.

In Surag and Bhagdhanu villages of Garud Block, Bageshwar District, the absence of a proper road is a challenge that residents navigate every day. The people here have adapted—carrying essentials on foot, finding their ways to reach schools and markets, and supporting each other through difficult times.

Yet, the dream of a well-built road remains. Kedar Singh, 70, has spent a lifetime in Surag. He describes how unpaved, uneven roads make even the simplest tasks difficult, especially during the monsoon. “When it rains, the paths become slippery, making it hard for both people and animals to move. We take our cattle to graze on the mountains, but during the rains, they often slip on the muddy paths and fall down the slopes. It’s heartbreaking to see, and it makes our work much harder.” For many, the challenge is not just about movement but about access to essential services. Nandi Devi, 45, explains how women and elderly residents face particular difficulties: “When someone falls ill, finding transport is nearly impossible. Vehicles don’t come here because of the poor road conditions. We have to rely on each other and make do with what we have.”

A Journey to Education

For students, an incomplete road is more than an inconvenience—it shapes their future. Bhavana Rawal, a 10th-grade student, walks 5 km every day on an unpaved road to reach her school in Sailani, 9 km away. “Most of the time, we manage, but during the rains, we arrive at school covered in mud. On some days, we can’t go at all,” she says.Kavita, 18, has similar concerns. “During the monsoon and winter, getting to school is incredibly difficult. The steep paths become dangerous, and there is always the fear of slipping. Sometimes, we miss school for days, which affects our studies.”

The Road Ahead

Efforts have been made over the years to bring road connectivity to Surag and Bhagdhanu. A survey for the road’s construction was conducted, and discussions continued resolving land-related concerns. Local leaders, like village head Champa Devi, have been advocating for progress, and there is optimism that change will come.

In Uttarakhand, over 33,500 km of roads have already been built, with 171 km of new roads planned for 2024-25 under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Across the state, better road connectivity has opened doors to education, healthcare, and employment. There is hope that the Rs 70,000 crore allocated in the Union Budget for rural roads will also reach villages like Surag and Bhagdhanu, ensuring that they, too, become part of this expanding network.

For now, the people of these villages continue their journeys—on foot, through difficult terrain, with patience and resilience. But with consistent efforts from local communities, government agencies, and policymakers, the day is not far when these paths will finally be paved, bringing with them new possibilities for those who have waited the longest.

(The Author writes on development and a resident of Bageshwar district, Uttarakhand. Views are personal. Charkha features)