A record 47,350 kms. of PMGSY road was constructed during 2016-17. This is the highest construction of PMGSY roads in a single year, in the last 7 years. While, 25,316 kms. of PMGSY roads were constructed in 2013-14, road construction in 2014-15 was 36,337 kms and in 2015-16, it was 36,449 kms.
A release issued by the Ministry of Rural Development states that during the period 2011-14, the average rate of construction of PMGSY roads was 73 kms. per day, which increased to 100 km per day during 2014-15 and 2015-16. For the year 2016-17, a record of 130 kms. per day has been achieved, which is the highest average annual construction rate, in the last 7 years.
The release further added that 11,614 habitations were provided connectivity by construction of 47,350 kms. of PMGSY roads during 2016-17 (an average of 32 habitations being provided connectivity every day). In terms of number of habitations connected with PMGSY roads, 11,606 is highest ever in the last 7 years.
With a view to reduce the “carbon footprint” of rural roads, reduce environmental pollution, increase the working season and bring cost effectiveness, PMGSY is aggressively encouraging use of “Green Technologies” and non-conventional materials like waste plastic, cold mix, geo-textiles, fly-ash, iron and copper slag etc. in rural roads. 4,113.13 kms. of PMGSY roads were constructed using “Green” technologies, in 2016-17. This is substantially higher than 2,634.02 kms. achieved during 2014-2016 and 806.93 kms. achieved during 2000-2014.
To ensure quality assurance, the field inspections of PMGSY works by National Quality Monitors (NQMs) were increased. 2016-17, witnessed a record no. of 7,597 NQM inspections compared to 6,516 inspections in 2015-16, 5,226 inspections in 2014-15 and 2,977 inspections in 2013-14. Out of 7,597 works inspected only 8.21% works were found to be of “Unsatisfactory” quality in 2015-16.