ADB constructing and upgrading over 31,000 km of rural roads

NEW DELHI: The Asian Development Bank ( ADB) is constructing and upgrading over 31,000 km of rural roads through separate projects in five states to lend support to Prime Minister’s Gram Sadak Yojana ( PMGSY) which is India’s flagship programme that aims to provide all-weather connectivity to unconnected habitations in rural areas.

"ADB is providing about $2 billion loans through its three long-term investment programs to build and improve rural roads in five states of Chhattisgarh, Madhya Pradesh, West Bengal, Odisha and Assam", said M Teresa Kho, Country Director for ADB in India, while unveiling the 'India Development Effectiveness Brief 2014' publication.

"Improved rural connectivity is already showing results in the form of more employment opportunities, better remuneration for farmers' produce, improved health indicators and better school enrollment in rural areas", Kho said.

More than 12,500 previously unserved habitations are being connected in the five states through building new stretches of rural roads, an ADB statement said on Saturday