**Executive Summary**
This document contains the response of the Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan, to Unstarred Question No. 574 in Lok Sabha, answered on 03/02/2026. The question raised concerns about the development of roads in Shirdi, specifically the RanjangaonDeshmukh sub-centreTalegaon Road, and its potential inclusion under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The Minister's answer clarifies the road's status and eligibility for the scheme.
**Key Points / Main Content**
* **Road Status:** According to the State of Maharashtra, the RanjangaonDeshmukh sub-centerTalegaon Road in Shirdi Lok Sabha Constituency (Ahmednagar District) is classified as a non-planned road.
* **PMGSY Eligibility:** The mentioned road does not qualify for inclusion under PMGSY IV guidelines, as villages along this road are already connected by an all-weather road (Sangamner to Kopargaon via RanjangaonDeshmukh Road).
* **State Responsibility:** Rural roads fall under the purview of the State Government.
* **Maintenance:** The maintenance of roads constructed under PMGSY is the responsibility of the State Governments. All road works are covered by initial five-year maintenance contracts included with the construction contract, with the same contractor, as per the Standard Bidding Document.
* **Funding:** Maintenance funds are provided by the State Government, who also handle road maintenance beyond the initial 5 year period.
**Impact Analysis**
**Shri BhausahebRajaramWakchaure (Questioner)**
* **Impact:** The information provided clarifies why the RanjangaonDeshmukh sub-centreTalegaon Road cannot be included under PMGSY at this time.
* **Action Required:** No specific action required, but should use this information to redirect efforts or inquire about alternative development plans.
**Citizens of Shirdi Lok Sabha Constituency (Ahmednagar District)**
* **Impact:** The information explains the current status of the RanjangaonDeshmukh sub-centreTalegaon Road and clarifies the funding and responsibility for road maintenance and development in the region.
* **Action Required:** No specific action required; understanding the roles and responsibilities for road maintenance and development in their region.
**State Government of Maharashtra**
* **Impact:** The document acknowledges the State Government's responsibility for rural road maintenance and development and affirms the existing guidelines for PMGSY.
* **Action Required:** The State Government needs to continue fulfilling its responsibility for maintaining rural roads, including the RanjangaonDeshmukh sub-centreTalegaon Road and explore alternative funding or improvement strategies if desired.
Key Entities Referenced
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): A government scheme focused on rural road development and connectivity.
Ministry of Rural Development: The central ministry responsible for the implementation and oversight of rural development programs, including rural road construction.
Shirdi Lok Sabha Constituency (Ahmednagar District): A specific parliamentary constituency and administrative district in Maharashtra where road development is being discussed.
O.I.H.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 574
ANSWERED ON 03/02/2026
DEVELOPMENT OF ROADS IN SHIRDI
574. Shri BhausahebRajaramWakchaure:
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the road passing through RanjangaonDeshmukh sub-
centreTalegaon Road in ShirdiLokSabha Constituency
(Ahmednagar District) has been a part of the historic Yeola
Marg and is still an important link connecting 11 villages;
(b) whether after the development of Kopargaon-Sangamner road
this route has been neglected due to which the road has
become very dilapidated and accidents are taking place
continuously;
(c) whether the Ministry is aware that a large number of Shirdi-
bound pilgrims and heavy vehicles ply on this route which is
increasing the pressure and damage on the road;
(d) if so, whether the Ministry would take immediate action for
improvement and reconstruction of this road by including it in
the Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY) so as to
strengthen regional connectivity, security and economic
activities and the steps taken to allocate funds for their
development and maintenance; and
(e) if so, the steps taken by the Government so far to ensure early
development of these roads and benefits from a religious-
tourism point of view along with the further plan in this regard?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)
(a) to (e): As reported by the State of Maharashtra, the road
passing through RanjangaonDeshmukh sub-centerTalegaon Road in
ShirdiLokSabha Constituency (Ahmednagar District) is non-planned
road and therefore, it has not been included in the core network of
Page 1 of 2Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana (PMGSY). The villages
(habitations) located along this road are already connected by all-
weather road Sangamner to Kopargaon (via RanjangaonDeshmukh
Road). Therefore, as per the guidelines of PMGSY IV, the road does
not qualify for inclusion under the scheme.
Rural roads is a State Subject. Maintenance of roads
constructed under the programme is the responsibility of the State
Governments and all road works are covered by initial five year
maintenance contracts to be entered into along with the
construction contract, with the same contractor, as per the
Standard Bidding Document. Maintenance funds are to be provided
by the State Government. Maintenance of roads beyond 5 years is
also to be done by the State Government.
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