Maharashtra Cabinet nod to Rs. 13,828 crore to improve road network.

The state cabinet on Wednesday gave the nod for its ambitious Mukhya Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna to upgrade 30,000 km of roads incurring an expenditure of Rs. 13,500 crore in five years, and adding 730 km new roads for which Rs. 328 crore will be set aside. The total expenditure for upgradation and new roads in rural Maharashtra works out to Rs. 13,828 crore.

The Mukhya Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna will on the lines on the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojna and follow the same parameters to ensure quality work. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said, 'It is my endeavour to provide quality roads and access to villages across Maharashtra.'

The state government’s attempt is to provide roads to all 40,000 villages round the year. At present, there are 6,000 to 8,000 hamlets and villages where kachcha roads are damaged in monsoon, cutting off access for three to four months. Villages, which don’t have access roads round the year will be taken up on priority, sources said.

The state government stressing road network is to bridge the gap between urban and rural Maharashtra. Fadnavis said, 'The roads are significant for economic prosperity in rural Maharashtra. Farmers work hard. But poor infrastructure cuts off access to markets and they face financial loss.' The state government expects to address these critical issues and connect remote villages through proper road network and the first phase will emphasise upgrading of existing roads, which are in a state of neglect for the last 15 years.

THE INDIAN EXPRESS