92 bridges built by previous BJD-led govt had no approach roads: Odisha Minister

Highlighting gaps left by the previous (BJD-led) government, Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said on Wednesday that 92 bridges earlier had no approach roads. After the present government came to power, land acquisition for 50 such bridges has already been completed, enabling further progress.

Also Read: Roadless villages in Odisha still exist as officials ignore Govt directives

The Minister announced that all villages with a population of at least 150 will be provided with road connectivity by 2027. Following a review of budget utilisation by the Rural Development Department, Minister Rabi Naik has directed departmental officials to spend 100 per cent of the allocated budget within the next three months.

The Minister stated that while the target is to construct more than 75,000 roads by 2027, over 30,000 roads have already been completed. Clear instructions have been issued to finish the remaining road works within the stipulated timeline.

At present, 53 per cent of the budget has been utilised, and officials have been instructed to ensure full utilisation within the next three months. The Government aims to accelerate rural infrastructure development and improve last-mile connectivity across the State.

“We will provide road connectivity to villages with a population of at least 150. As per the provision made in the budget, we will ensure proper evaluation, and accordingly, it has been decided that we will achieve around 90-95 percent of the target,” the Minister stated.

“Construction of roads to such villages will be completed by 2027,” the Minister added.

Worth mentioning, despite clear instructions from the Odisha government to prioritise road connectivity in remote villages, several government officials continue to withhold crucial data. This delay hampers development, and thousands still live in isolation across the State.

Even after repeated reminders, government officials in Odisha are failing to provide critical data on villages lacking road access, effectively stalling rural connectivity projects. This isn’t merely a public grievance—it had been formally acknowledged by the Rural Development department itself in an official letter.