Parakh AI Tool for PMGSY Rural Road DPR Scrutiny – 29 September 2026

What happened

The government has deployed an AI-based DPR scrutiny tool named Parakh, rolled out by the National Rural Infrastructure Development Agency (NRIDA) under the Ministry of Rural Development, to strengthen technical appraisal of rural road projects under Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). It is being implemented on a pilot basis in all States and UTs.

Rural Development Secretary Rohit Kansal said Parakh aims to make DPR scrutiny simpler, systematic and evidence-based, cutting repetitive checks that delay sanctions.

Background

DPRs for rural roads cover alignment, geometry, pavement design, traffic, soil/subgrade, drainage, cross-drainage, quantities and cost estimates. Multi-level manual scrutiny often repeats the same checks, slowing sanctions and execution.

Why it matters for exams

• PMGSY is a flagship rural connectivity scheme (Ministry of Rural Development)
• NRIDA’s institutional role and use of AI in governance (Digital India / e-governance)
• Links infrastructure quality with timely project appraisal

Key facts for exams

• Tool: Parakh (AI-based DPR scrutiny)
• Scheme: PMGSY
• Agency: NRIDA, Ministry of Rural Development
• Coverage: Pilot in all States and UTs

Practice MCQs

1. Parakh AI tool is primarily meant to scrutinise DPRs under which scheme?

   (A) PMAY-Urban only
   (B) PMGSY
   (C) PM-KISAN
   (D) MGNREGA only

   Answer: (B) – Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana.

2. NRIDA functions under which Union Ministry?

   (A) Road Transport and Highways
   (B) Rural Development
   (C) Housing and Urban Affairs
   (D) Jal Shakti

   Answer: (B) – Ministry of Rural Development.

3. PMGSY’s core objective is:

   (A) Urban metro funding
   (B) Rural road connectivity
   (C) Coastal shipping
   (D) Airport privatisation

   Answer: (B) – All-weather rural road connectivity.

Source: Times of India, 29 September 2026.