Li Qiang signed the State Council decree and promulgated the "Regulations on Rural Roads".

Premier Li Keqiang of the State Council recently signed the State Council Order to announce the "Rural Road Regulations", which will come into effect on September 15, 2025. The purpose of the regulations is to promote the high-quality development of rural roads, to meet the needs of promoting comprehensive rural revitalization and accelerating agricultural and rural modernization. The regulations consist of 28 articles, mainly stipulating the following: Firstly, it clarifies the development orientation. It stipulates that the development of rural roads should implement the policies and decisions of the Party and the country, be in line with the requirements of coordinating new urbanization and comprehensive rural revitalization, adhere to government-led, overall planning, adapt to local conditions, and emphasize on construction, management, maintenance, and operation simultaneously, gradually improving the comprehensive coverage, universal sharing, safety, convenience and efficiency of rural transportation infrastructure network. Secondly, it specifies the responsibility subject. It clarifies that the county government is responsible for the development of rural roads in its administrative area, and relevant departments of the State Council, such as the Ministry of Transportation, and local governments at or above the prefectural level and their relevant departments should strengthen guidance and supervision. Thirdly, it aims to improve the quality of the road network. It clearly states that the construction of rural roads should focus on improving the quality of the road network, coordinate with the construction of national and provincial roads, promote the integration of urban and rural transportation, and new rural roads should meet the requirements of highway technical grades, while existing roads that do not meet the minimum technical grade requirements should be upgraded and reconstructed. Fourthly, it strengthens management and maintenance. It clarifies requirements such as the zoning and management of village roads, control of over-limit transportation, passage of heavy-duty trucks, and comprehensive environmental improvement of road areas. It stipulates the establishment of a sound management and maintenance responsibility system for rural roads, clarifies the organizing and implementing entities for rural road maintenance, and encourages and guides professional road maintenance units to participate in rural road maintenance. Fifth, it emphasizes safety assurance. It requires daily inspections and rectification of safety hazards on rural roads, strengthening emergency support and disaster prevention and mitigation capabilities, and conducting publicity and education on road traffic safety laws and regulations. Sixth, it promotes integrated development. It stipulates that local governments at all levels should take measures to promote the integrated development of rural roads with supporting facilities along the lines, industrial parks, tourist attractions, etc., promote the integrated development of rural passenger transport, freight logistics, and postal express delivery, and improve the ability of rural roads to serve the smooth flow of urban-rural economic cycles.