Telangana is intensifying its rural development agenda as part of its long-term plan to build a $3-trillion economy by 2047, with the State government rolling out large-scale infrastructure and women empowerment initiatives designed to bring equitable growth beyond Hyderabad’s urban orbit. The push aims to close the development gap between city and countryside through better road connectivity, improved water security and expanded economic opportunities for rural women.
According to officials in the Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Department, the State has embarked on a massive rural road upgrade programme under schemes such as the Hybrid Annuity Model (HAM), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Construction of Rural Roads (CRR) and Maintenance of Rural Roads (MRR). Tenders have already been floated for road works worth over ₹16,000 crore, covering 7,449 km, to link unconnected Gram Panchayats with their mandal and district headquarters. Analysts say closing these connectivity gaps is crucial for agricultural supply chains, rural employment and social mobility. Data shared by department officials indicates that 201 km of roads and 34 bridges have been completed in the past two years under PMGSY, while 25 ongoing projects spanning nearly 67 km are being implemented under PM-JANMAN. CRR works worth more than ₹4,170 crore are currently underway, and administrative approval has been granted for over 1,120 new projects worth ₹2,709 crore. Since December 2023, nearly 600 km of new roads have already been opened to the public. In parallel, 2,861 rural road maintenance projects worth ₹3,347 crore are also progressing under MRR.
Water security forms the second pillar of Telangana’s rural growth model. The State reports having completed more than 5.61 lakh water conservation works, including rejuvenation of surface water bodies, construction of check dams, farm ponds and rainwater pits. These interventions have attracted national recognition, including awards under the Jal Sanchay–Jan Bhagidari category. Urban planners note that such efforts reduce drought risk, support farming incomes and contribute to climate resilience — an increasingly critical aspect of India’s sustainable development debate. The third major intervention focuses on women-led economic growth. Under its Indira Mahila Shakti (IMS) flagship scheme, the government is working to scale up self-help groups (SHGs) into business enterprises by facilitating over ₹20,000 crore in bank credit every year. SHGs are being supported to operate petrol pumps, buses, solar plants, canteens and fish transport services. A senior official said the department is also exploring global marketing channels for products made by rural women.
Policy experts say Telangana’s rural strategy aligns with the broader idea of inclusive and gender-responsive development — critical for long-term sustainability. While Hyderabad remains a major driver of economic growth, balanced development across districts is seen as essential for reducing migration pressure on cities, improving household income levels and ensuring that women are not left out of India’s economic transformation. Whether the scale of investment can be matched by timely execution and continued funding will determine how far Telangana can convert rural potential into measurable outcomes. For now, the State appears positioned to expand the rural economy while keeping sustainability and social equity at the core of its growth model.
Telangana Accelerates Women Led Rural Enterprise Growth
Also Read : https://urbanacres.in/ahmedabad-records-night-temperature-rise-while-rajkot-naliya-stay-colder-across-gujarat/
