A workshop on “Impact of Pradhan Mantri Gramin Sadak Yojna Roads (PMGSY) Roads on Accessibility in Rural Areas” at BITS Pilani, Rajasthan was organised on 6 May 2017. The purpose of workshop was to share the outcome of a Research Project with engineers working at different levels in public works department in the state of Rajasthan. Prof. A. K. Sarkar, Director, BITS Pilani, Pilani campus presented a complete overview and background of the workshop and explained how BITS Pilani has contributed significantly in the area of rural road development during the last 20 years. He also emphasized on the need of aligning PMGSY with sustainable development goals of the United Nations. Prof. A. P. Singh who was instrumental in organizing this event, welcomed the delegates.
Shri Basavaraja, Director (Project II), PMGSY, National Rural Development Agency had highlighted the status of PMGSY
roads in the country. Dr. Shalini who completed her PhD under this project explained the complete methodology developed in Rural Accessibility and Rural Road Network Planning along with key features of her research findings. She also described how construction of PMGSY roads has substantial impact on improving overall accessibility ranging between 9.1% to 32.07% in the five districts of Rajasthan namely Alwar, Bikaner, Churu, Jhunjhunu, Tonk.
Prof. S. K. Choudhury, Department of Humanities and Social Sciences deliberated on Socio-Economic and Health Impacts of PMGSY Roads on Women and explained how women have been empowered through the construction of PMGSY roads. Shri. C. L. Verma, Chief Engineer PMGSY, PWD, Rajasthan explained about the present status and challenges of implementation of PMGSY in Rajasthan. Dr. B. Kanagadurai, Cheif Scientist and Dr. A Mohan Rao, Principal Scientist, Central Road Research Institute, New Delhi shared their views on impact of construction of PMGSY Roads. Finally, Dr. Prashant Sahu thanked all the participants for their active participation and contributions.