Madhya Pradesh will become a leader in adopting green technology for road construction, ensuring sustainable development while protecting the environment, stated Panchayat and Rural Development Minister, prahlad Singh Patel. He made this announcement during a special event at Kushabhau Thakre Auditorium, focusing on the success of the Prime Minister’s Rural Road Scheme (PMGSY) from 2000 to 2024 and the plans for the upcoming phase. Patel highlighted that Madhya Pradesh had excelled in all three phases of PMGSY and assured that the fourth phase would continue the positive momentum. Under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav, all objectives of the scheme would be met on time.

 

He emphasised on the crucial role of rural roads in the country’s development, likening them to the spine of the human body. He praised innovations like ‘e-Marg’ and ‘Samveg’ developed by the Madhya Pradesh Rural Road Development Authority (MPRRDA), which have been recognized by the central government. Additionally, he acknowledged the participation of women self-help groups in maintaining 77 roads under PMGSY, calling it a noteworthy achievement. Patel also pointed out that over 10,000 kilometers of roads in the state had been constructed using waste plastic, making a significant contribution to both sustainability and infrastructure.

 

He noted that the PMGSY had connected tribal communities to the mainstream, particularly in Naxal-affected regions like Bamani village in Narsinghpur. Principal Secretary Deepali Rastogi praised PMGSY’s centralized planning approach, emphasizing that Madhya Pradesh would continue leading the scheme’s implementation with a focus on new technologies and women’s involvement. Joint Secretary Amit Shukla highlighted the integration of cold mix technology, waste plastic, and fly ash for road construction in the upcoming phase. He stressed the importance of local representatives’ participation in the planning process. Deepak Arya, CEO of MPRRDA, acknowledged the state’s achievements in IT technology, including the nationwide implementation of the ‘e-Marg’ software and the ‘Samveg’ portal for road maintenance. The event concluded with a film showcasing PMGSY’s successes.