FCC

PMGSY-III Extension Strengthens Rural Growth

2026-04-25

The Indian Construction Equipment Manufacturers’ Association (ICEMA) has welcomed the Government of India’s decision to extend the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-III (PMGSY-III) till March 2028. The association said the move reflects the Government’s continued focus on building strong rural infrastructure as a foundation for long-term growth and national development.

The extension will support the upgradation of key rural routes linking habitations with markets, healthcare institutions, schools and nearby towns. Improved road quality and reliability are expected to help people travel faster and more safely, while easing the movement of goods and services. Better connectivity will also enable quicker access to medical facilities and essential urban infrastructure, improving daily life in rural regions.

The programme carries implications not only for economic activity but also for broader human development indicators across rural India. The framework for prioritisation under PMGSY-III is expected to support more targeted allocation of resources. This structured, data-driven approach to road selection and upgradation is likely to improve the overall effectiveness and long-term impact of investments under the scheme.

Deepak Shetty, President, ICEMA, said strong road networks are critical to progress. He added that the extension of PMGSY-III will deepen rural connectivity, improve access to healthcare, education, markets and employment centres, while strengthening rural resilience. He further noted that from an industry perspective, the scheme plays an important role in sustaining infrastructure momentum, supporting employment, strengthening supply chains and contributing to balanced regional growth.