In a small tribal village in Madhya Pradesh’s Barwani district, people got tired of waiting for the government to build a road. So, they decided to do it themselves. Without any money from the government, the villagers of Bedi Fartala picked up shovels and stones and built a 4.3-kilometre road in just two weeks.

Bedi Fartala, located in the hilly and remote Roser panchayat, has only about 350 people, most of them tribals. For many years, they struggled without a proper road. During the rainy season, children couldn't go to school, and sick or elderly people had to be carried on cots through muddy, slippery paths.

“We gave many applications and reminded leaders every time they came asking for votes. But nothing happened,” said Dharam Singh, a villager. “So we decided to stop waiting.” As the monsoon season approached again, the villagers held a meeting and took action. Every family helped, some brought food, others brought tools, and many came with just their hands and a strong will.

The main road is about 3 km from our village. In emergencies, we had to walk. Children didn’t go to school because it was too far and unsafe. So we had to do something,” said Sunil, another villager. The whole village joined in. While some worked in the fields, others worked on the road. Women cooked and brought meals to the workers. Elderly men broke stones, and even children helped by carrying small rocks.

Now, the villagers say this road means more than just a way to travel, it represents their unity, hard work, and pride. “This is not just a road. This is our identity now,” said a young volunteer, pointing proudly at the new road.
Local MLA Rajan Mandloi admitted that the area has poor infrastructure. He said many nearby panchayats still don’t have proper roads, and though plans under government schemes were made, they were not carried out. “People here are helpless,” he said.