RURAL CONNECTIVITY

We are aiming to become the first state under PMGSY to achieve the Bharat Nirman targets of providing road connectivity to all the 154 habitations with more than 500 population soon. The number of uncovered habitations has come down from 410 during the 9th Plan Period to 244. 1,422 km of new connectivity out of the target (approved core network) of 1,800 km (79%) has been undertaken, of which 975 km has been completed. 166 km of black topping works has also been taken up. The remaining works will be sanctioned and completed within the next 2-3 years. Black-topping of 351 km of PMGSY roads along with construction of steel bridges has been sanctioned in 2011-12 and the work is likely to start in Dec-2011.

Rural connectivity has received enhanced focus from the Government of India with funding under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) national flagship programme. The state has shown rapid progress and the outcomes are shown in Chart 2.1, Table 2.2 and Figure 2.1. The gram panchayats where rural connectivity needs to be improved include Karzi-Mangnam, Dhoopi-Narkhola, Karmatar-Gyaten, Khaniserbong-Suntoley, Mabong-Segeng in West Sikkim, Sanganath, Mamley-Kamrang and Rong-Bul in South Sikkim, Regoh, Rolep-Lamaten, Latuk-Chuchenpheri, Taza, Amba, in East District and Shipgyer, Lingthem-Lingdem, Tingvong, Sakyong-Pentong, Barfok-Lingdong, Hee-Gyathang and Lum-Gor-Sangtok in North District.