PIONEER EDGE NEWS SERVICE/Dehradun
Contractors working under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) warned of an agitation over persistent funding delays and alleged interference in the tendering process, saying problems faced last year continue to affect projects across Uttarakhand.
PMGSY contractors association president Ramesh Chandra Gahtori informed the media that adequate funds not being released remains the primary challenge, directly impacting road construction and maintenance works. He said that the execution of several rural road projects has slowed down or stalled due to financial constraints, weakening last-mile connectivity in remote areas.
“The biggest issue is the shortage and delay of funds. Without timely payments, contractors are unable to maintain work schedules, which ultimately affects villagers who depend on these roads,” Gahtori said.
He also alleged that the tendering process under PMGSY has become increasingly politicised. According to Gahtori, political interference has sidelined genuine contractors and created uncertainty in project execution, undermining transparency and technical merit-based selection. He
said that the association had earlier raised these concerns with the state government and received assurances from the chief minister regarding improvements in programme implementation and consideration of contractors’ demands. However, he claimed that no concrete steps have been taken so far.
He further alleged that PMGSY guidelines are not being implemented uniformly at the district level and that monitoring mechanisms remain weak, leading to delays and quality concerns in road works.
“If the government does not seriously review these issues and take corrective measures soon, the association will be left with no option but to launch an agitation,” Gahtori said, issuing a formal warning to the authorities.
