New Delhi, April 18 -- Union Cabinet on Saturday approved extension of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase III (PMGSY) from March 2025 to March 2028, with a revised outlay of Rs.83,977 crore, up from the original Rs.80,250 crore.

The extension covers roads and bridges in plain areas and roads in hilly areas. Bridges in hilly areas get a further push to March 2029.

The Cabinet also cleared the sanctioning of 161 long-span bridges, estimated at Rs.961 crore that were pending approval but fall on the alignment of already sanctioned roads. As per senior officials in the rural development ministry "works sanctioned before March 31, 2025 but not yet tendered will now be taken up for award, ensuring that projects already in the pipeline do ...