TV
The Odisha government has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 30,000 km of rural roads and 500 bridges over the next five years, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directing officials to prioritise quality, accountability, and connectivity to remote regions.
Chairing a review of the Rural Development department at Lok Seva Bhawan on Saturday, Majhi asked officials to ensure 100 per cent utilisation of funds allocated under state budget provisions and central schemes, according to The New Indian Express.
During the meeting, CM Majhi also emphasised strict monitoring of construction quality and warned of stern action against contractors, agencies, and officials responsible for sub-standard work.
The Chief Minister also called for skill development programmes to upgrade the capacities of contractors and engineers involved in road projects. Special focus will be given to connecting villages in remote, hilly, tribal-dominated, and difficult terrains to ensure equitable development.
PMGSY, Janman Yojana and State Initiatives
It is worth noting that Odisha has already constructed 70,711 km of rural roads out of the 73,985 km sanctioned under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), securing the fourth rank in the country.
The fourth phase of PMGSY is underway, aiming to build 942 roads and eight bridges to connect 1,021 unlinked habitations in tribal belts, Maoist-affected zones, and aspirational districts.
Additionally, under the PM Janman Yojana, 66 roads and four bridges have been sanctioned to provide road access to more than 100 habitations of the Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).
Further, the Rural Development department is simultaneously executing a wide range of public infrastructure projects, including hostels, government offices, colleges, and disaster shelters. In 2024-25, 451 buildings were completed, while 1,229 more are scheduled in 2025-26.
