Over 30,000 km roads constructed under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana till October: Government

NEW DELHI: More than 30,000 km of roads have been completed till October in left-wing extremism (LWE) affected districts under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Lok Sabha was informed today.

Implementation of PMGSY in LWE-affected districts faces certain challenges on account of law and order problem, non-availability of forest land, shortage of raw materials, low execution capacity and contracting capacity of the state government, MoS for Rural Development Ram Kripal Yadav said.

"Since inception of PMGSY, a total length of 30,081 km road has been completed up to October 2016 in left-wing extremism-affected districts," he said in a written reply.

In view of the challenges faced in these areas, the government is providing certain relaxations for LWE-affected districts, he said.

All habitations in LWE districts with population of 250 and above are eligible for coverage under PMGSY, cost of bridges up to 75 mt in these areas is borne by the government as against 50 in others, Yadav said.

While formulating estimates and preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs), cost of insurance premium against risks such as damaging or burning of plants and machinery of contractors can also be included, the minister said in the reply.