This refers to the editorial, “Improving rural roads” (September 13). India's efforts to improve rural road connectivity, which gained a fresh impetus with the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana, need to be stepped up substantially. Better rural roads lead to improvements in employment, education and healthcare. Nearly half of the country's habitation still remains unconnected. Improper road connectivity is one of the main reasons stopping growth in rural areas.
In a country where more than three-fifth of the population lives in rural areas, rural roads provide ‘last-mile connectivity' in the network. Improving the quality of life of millions of citizens living in rural areas is a mammoth task that will require time and effort at many levels. The Government must continue to play the lead role in improving rural connectivity, which is vital for the economic and social inclusion of a significant part of rural India.