Shimla, Sep 22 - The central government has sanctioned projects worth Rs.243.43 crore that would help strengthen the rural road network in Himachal Pradesh, an official statement said Tuesday.

'In order to strengthen the rural road network in the state, the central government has approved Rs.243.43 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana,' Himachal Pradesh Public Works Minister Thakur Gulab Singh said in the statement.

As many as 194 proposals that got the approval would connect villages having population of over 250.

Himachal Pradesh plans to connect every village with a population of 250 and above by 2012.