Maharashtra To Draft Comprehensive Policy For Farm Access Roads By September

Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule Says Every Farm Will Get 12-Foot Road

The Maharashtra government is set to finalise a comprehensive policy on “Panand” (farm access) roads by the end of September, with a commitment to ensure every farm gets road connectivity, Revenue Minister Chandrashekhar Bawankule announced.

The first meeting of the committee, formed under Bawankule’s chairmanship on the directions of Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, discussed detailed proposals for creating 12-foot-wide access roads to farms. An additional study group under the Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) will review recommendations from the Settlement Commissioner-led committee and submit its report within 15 days, after which the final draft will go to the cabinet for approval.

Rural Development Minister Jaykumar Gore suggested aligning laws with ground realities, creating a separate funding mechanism akin to the CM Gram Sadak Yojana, and issuing a new GR with explicit provisions for building roads on private land. Employment Guarantee Scheme Minister Bharat Gogavale assured funding availability, while Minister of State Adv. Ashish Jaiswal called for prioritising the works and incentivising farmers who voluntarily give land.

Members emphasised the need for quality construction and defect liability periods for contractors. The initiative, welcomed by farmers across the state, aims to resolve long-standing access issues that hinder transport of produce and farm operations.