Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana — Programme Guidelines

reduction strategy. This investment in essentially the ‘last mile’ connectivity is likely
to be useful only if the main rural road network, particularly the rural Core Network is
maintained in good condition. In the context of a farm to market connectivity, proper
maintenance is essential if risks of long term investments, on-farm as well as off-
farm, are to be taken by the rural entrepreneur. Accordingly, the putting in place of
institutional measures to ensure systematic maintenance and providing adequate
funding for maintenance of the rural core network, particularly the Through Routes,
will be key to the continuance of the PMGSY programme in the State. To this end,
State Governments will take steps to build up capacity in the District Panchayats
and shall endeavour to devolve the funds and functionaries onto these Panchayats
in order to be able to manage maintenance contracts for rural roads.
17.2 All PMGSY roads (including associated Main Rural Links / Through Routes
of PMGSY link routes) will be covered by 5-year maintenance contracts, (see
Para 8.6) to be entered into along with the construction contract, with the same
contractor, as per the Standard Bidding Document. Maintenance funds to service
38 the contract will be budgeted by the State Government and placed at the disposal
of the SRRDA in a separate Maintenance Fund Account within the stipulated
time i.e. 50% by 31st May and remaining 50% by 30th November of each financial
year § .
(§Substituted vide letter No. H-12014/1/2010-RC dated 09/9/2010)
17.3 Since rural Through Routes / Main Rural Links carry comparatively larger traffic
and keeping them in good condition is particularly important, Through Routes (whether
upgraded under PMGSY or subjected to maintenance contract as an associated
Through Route of a PMGSY link route as per Para 6.6.2) on expiry of 5-year
post-construction maintenance (see Para 8.6 and 17.2) shall be placed under Zonal
maintenance contracts consisting of 5-year maintenance including renewal as per
cycle. The State Government will make the necessary budget provision and place
the funds to service the zonal maintenance contracts at the disposal of the SRRDA in
the Maintenance Fund Account.
Programme Guidelines