Centre sanctions 41 new roads; approves state under VVP-II
Source: Chronicle News Service

Imphal, April 05 2025: In a significant infrastructure push for border and rural regions, the Centre has sanctioned 41 new roads worth Rs 225.15 crore in Manipur under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-III), while also approving the state's inclusion under the newly launched Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II).

The twin initiatives are part of the government's broader vision of Viksit Bharat@2047 and aim to boost connectivity, improve livelihoods, and ensure security and development in strategic and remote areas.

This latest sanction, approved on Saturday, builds on the earlier allocation under PMGSY-III, wherein 56 roads covering 502.24 km had already been approved with an investment of Rs 404.72 crore.

With the addition of the newly approved roads, Manipur now has a total of 97 rural roads under the central scheme, representing a combined length of over 780 km and a total sanctioned investment of around Rs 629.87 crore.

The road infrastructure boost is part of a broader initiative by the Central government to enhance last-mile connectivity in hill and tribal states.

Alongside Manipur, states like Mizoram, Himachal Pradesh, and Uttarakhand have also received significant sanctions under PMGSY-III, focusing on the construction of both roads and long-span bridges.

In a parallel effort under the Connectivity component of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN), the ministry has also extended infrastructure support to other northeastern and tribal-dominated states such as Tripura and Odisha.

The newly sanctioned roads in Manipur are expected to significantly enhance access to essential services such as healthcare, education, and local markets in rural and remote areas.

Officials from the ministry said the projects are in line with the Government's vision of a Developed India and aim to bridge the connectivity gap between villages and urban centres, thereby stimulating local economies and employment.

The cumulative impact of these infrastructure initiatives is expected to be transformative, particularly in hilly and difficult terrains like Manipur, where better connectivity often translates directly into social and economic upliftment for rural communities.

Earlier on Friday, the Union Cabinet approved the Vibrant Villages Programme-II (VVP-II) for the financial years 202425 to 2028-29 as a Central Sector Scheme with 100 per cent funding from the Centre.

With a total outlay of Rs 6,839 crore, the scheme aims to ensure comprehensive development of villages located in blocks abutting international land borders, excluding those on the Northern borders already covered under VVP-I.Manipur is among the 17 states and UTs selected for implementation of the programme.

VVP-II seeks to create better living conditions, generate livelihood opportunities, and enhance internal security by involving border populations as active participants and supporters of national efforts.

The scheme will focus on infrastructure development, value chain support through cooperatives and SHGs, educational facilities like SMART classes, tourism circuits, and sustainable livelihood options tailored to the needs of specific villages.

All-weather road connectivity for these areas will be undertaken through PMGSY-IV under the Ministry.

The programme also targets saturation in key areas such as telecom and television connectivity, electrification, and access to welfare schemes through convergence.

Cultural vibrancy will be promoted via fairs, festivals, and outreach activities, while technology platforms like PM Gati Shakti will guide effective implementation.

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