Gujarat’s new rural road infrastructure scheme, launched on June 21, 2025, aims to connect over 1,500 villages with all-weather roads, boosting rural connectivity. Backed by ₹4,000 crore from the New Development Bank, the initiative will upgrade 13,500 km of roads, enhancing access to markets, schools, and healthcare. The scheme prioritizes tribal areas and small villages, fostering inclusive growth.
Gujarat’s Rural Road Revolution: Connecting Villages to Progress
On June 21, 2025, Gujarat Chief Minister Bhupendra Patel launched a transformative rural road infrastructure scheme aimed at bridging the connectivity gap for over 1,500 villages across the state. With a funding commitment of ₹4,000 crore from the New Development Bank, the initiative focuses on upgrading and expanding the state’s 13,500 km rural road network to ensure all-weather access, particularly for underserved and tribal regions.
The scheme targets villages with populations below 1,500, where connectivity remains a challenge. According to data from the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), only 48.6% of villages with populations between 1,000 and 1,500 are currently connected by roads, while just 22.5% of villages with fewer than 100 residents have road access. This initiative aims to address these disparities, ensuring that even the smallest hamlets are linked to major highways, markets, and essential services.
Under the scheme, the Gujarat government plans to construct and upgrade non-pucca roads, build missing links, and reinforce culverts and bridges to prevent monsoon-related disruptions. A key focus is on tribal areas, where new approach roads will connect remote settlements to educational institutions and healthcare facilities. The project also includes widening village roads (VR) and other district roads (ODR) to ease traffic congestion and improve safety.
The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), which previously supported Gujarat’s rural road development in 2017, highlighted the impact of such projects, noting that improved connectivity benefits approximately 8 million people across 1,060 villages. The current scheme builds on this legacy, aiming to enhance socio-economic outcomes by facilitating access to markets for farmers, reducing travel time, and boosting local economies.
Chief Minister Patel emphasized the scheme’s alignment with Gujarat’s broader infrastructure goals, stating that a robust rural road network is critical for inclusive growth. The state has allocated ₹20,642 crore for the Roads and Buildings Department in the 2025 budget, reflecting its commitment to modernizing infrastructure. The initiative also incorporates advanced technologies, such as white-topping for durable state highways, which will be extended to select rural roads for longevity.
The scheme is expected to create significant employment opportunities, particularly in rural areas, through construction and maintenance activities. It also aligns with the Ministry of Rural Development’s broader vision of sustainable rural growth, as outlined in recent announcements under programs like the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).
Gujarat’s performance in rural road connectivity has historically been stronger than many other states, with NRIDA data ranking it alongside Haryana, Punjab, and Kerala. However, challenges remain in connecting smaller villages and ensuring road durability in flood-prone areas. The new scheme addresses these gaps by prioritizing a composite indicator of road length per village and population density, aiming for equitable development across regions.
Stakeholders, including local farmers and tribal communities, have expressed optimism about the project. Improved roads are expected to reduce transportation costs for agricultural produce, enhance access to education, and improve healthcare delivery in remote areas. The government has also committed to regular monitoring to ensure timely completion of projects and adherence to quality standards.
Disclaimer: This article is based on reports from the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA), the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), posts on X, and official statements from the Gujarat Chief Minister’s Office. Information is sourced from publicly available data and may be subject to updates as projects progress.