## Policy Summary: Widening of Border Roads under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in Gurdaspur and Pathankot, Punjab
This document summarizes the response provided by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development, Shri Kamlesh Paswan, to Lok Sabha Unstarred Question No. 394, answered on July 22, 2025, regarding the widening of roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) in the border areas of Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts in Punjab. The question was raised by Shri Sukhjinder Singh Randhawa, citing concerns about insufficient road width hindering vehicle movement, particularly noted during "Operation Sindoor," and its implications for international security.
The Minister's response clarifies that PMGSY road construction adheres to established guidelines and Indian Road Congress (IRC) specifications, where carriageway width is determined by projected traffic volume, measured in Passenger Car Units (PCU). Widths typically range from 3.75 meters to 5.5 meters, with potential restrictions to 3 meters for roads serving habitations with populations below 500 and low projected traffic. Minimum road formation width is mandated at 7.5 meters for plain/rolling terrain and 6 meters for mountainous/steep terrain, specifically for single-lane carriageways (3m-3.75m).
The Ministry reports, based on information from the State of Punjab, that the majority of roads constructed/upgraded in Gurdaspur and Pathankot districts under PMGSY have carriageway widths varying between 3.05 meters, 3.75 meters and 5.5 meters. These roads were designed to accommodate normal traffic levels based on proposals received from the State. As of July 22, 2025, there are no active proposals under PMGSY for widening border roads within Gurdaspur and Pathankot. The completion timeline for ongoing works under PMGSY-III is March 2026.
Key Entities Referenced
Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY): A rural road connectivity program in India, under which roads are constructed in rural areas.
Gurdaspur, Punjab: A district in the state of Punjab, India, where the width of roads constructed under PMGSY is being reviewed.
Pathankot, Punjab: A district in the state of Punjab, India, where the width of roads constructed under PMGSY is being reviewed.
Ministry of Rural Development: The Indian government ministry responsible for rural development programs, including PMGSY.
SHRI SUKHJINDER SINGH RANDHAWA: Member of LOK SABHA who raised a question regarding the widening of border roads under PMGSY.
SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN: Minister of State in the Ministry of Rural Development who answered the question regarding the widening of border roads.
IRC Specifications: Guidelines followed for road construction under PMGSY.
Operation Sindoor: A security operation during which the road width problem in the border areas was observed.
O.I.H.
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
DEPARTMENT OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
LOK SABHA
UNSTARRED QUESTION NO. 394
ANSWERED ON 22/07/2025
WIDENING OF BORDER ROADS
394. SHRI SUKHJINDER SINGH RANDHAWA:
Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:
(a) whether the roads constructed under the Pradhan Mantri Gram
SadakYojana (PMGSY) in the border areas of Gurdaspur and
Pathankot in Punjab have very little width leading to problems
in the movement of two vehicles and the said problem was
observed during Operation Sindoor;
(b) if so, whether the Government proposes to widen the roads in
the border areas keeping in view the international security;
and
(c) if so, the details thereof and if not, the reasons therefor?
ANSWER
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI KAMLESH PASWAN)
(a): As per PMGSY guidelines and IRC Specifications, carriageway
width of PMGSY roads are constructed based on the projected
traffic in terms of Passenger Car Unit (PCU) plying on the roads. The
carriageway width may be 3.75 m/ 5.5 m depending upon the traffic
plying on the roads. In case of roads leading to habitations below
500 (where eligible), where the projected traffic is likely to be very
low, the carriageway may further be restricted to 3 m. There is a
minimum required road width (formation width) which should not be
less than 7.5 m in case of plain/rolling terrain and 6 m in case of
mountainous/steep terrain for single lane carriage way i.e. 3 m/3.75
m.
Page 1 of 2The carriageway width of road constructed/upgraded under
the Pradhan Mantri Gram SadakYojana is determined based on
comprehensive automated traffic census data and axle load survey
on proposed roads.
(b) & (c): As reported by the State of Punjab, in Gurdaspur and
Pathankot districts, most of the roads constructed/upgraded are
having the carriageway width varying from 3.05 m to 3.75 m and 5.5
m. The roads are designed for normal traffic, based on the proposal
received from the State.
Currently, there is no proposal under PMGSY for the widening
of Border Roads within the district of Gurdaspur and Pathankot. The
timeline for completion of ongoing works under PMGSY III is March,
2026.
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