Even as rural roads in the country are crying for attention, poor execution of projects by States is making a mockery of the Centre’s flagship scheme, Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). In several cases, Centrally-funded projects have dragged on for five years or beyond. At least 5,668 road projects which were sanctioned in 2010 are yet to be executed. PMGSY guidelines mandate that such Centrally-sponsored road projects should be completed within 18 months after their sanction.
According to the data available with the Rural Development Ministry, which oversees the implementation of the PMGSY, Bihar has the maximum number of 1,195 unfinished road projects, followed by Jammu & Kashmir, 991. International agencies like World Bank have funded 332.
Irked at the inordinate delay, the Centre has now threatened the defaulter States with non-release of further grants under the scheme if construction is not expedited. The PMGSY aims at providing all-weather road connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas.
“Notably, so many works sanctioned prior to March 2010 are incomplete. It is a matter of serious concern since under PMGYS, works are required to be completed within 18 months,” said a senior official from the Ministry.
West Bengal has decided to abandon five road works which were sanctioned during 2005-06. Manipur has agreed to complete eight unfinished projects by May end. Sikkim has informed the Centre that 30 out of 80 unfinished road works will be completed by April end and remaining by December. Meghalaya is targeting to complete three road projects by April end, the official added.
The States have been asked to fix the targets of Project Implementation Units, contractors for achieving the progress in terms of number of road works as well as length to be completed in a month and share the steps taken and progress achieved in this regards with the Ministry.