Flagging slow progress of work in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)-affected areas, a Parliamentary panel has asked the Ministry of Rural Development to adopt “sincere innovative ideas” and guide states to ensure that road projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in those areas are completed in a time-bound manner.
In its report, the Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj said: “The Committee notes that Road Connectivity Project for Left Wing Extremism Areas (RCPLWEA), a very important intervention under PMGSY, was launched in 2016… The deadline for the completion of this vertical under PMGSY was March, 2020 which was extended till March, 2025. In this regard, the Committee are concerned to note that out of total of 12,228 km sanctioned road length only 9,523 km is completed as on 14th May, 2025 and length of 2,705 km is still left even after extended deadlines.”
While acknowledging the challenges such as insurgency terrain and forest clearance issues, the Committee said bottlenecks can be removed by proper planning and strong coordination. “Perhaps area specific professionals who are skilled to work in combat and insurgent zones such as Border Road Organisation might serve as a boost,” said the committee headed by Congress member Saptagiri Sankar Ulaka.
