Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has set an ambitious target for the Rural Development Department to construct 30,000 kilometres of roads and 500 bridges over the next five years, underscoring his government’s commitment to strengthening rural connectivity. The announcement came during a review meeting of the department’s programmes at Lok Seva Bhawan.
Majhi directed the department to ensure 100% utilisation of available funds while maintaining strict quality standards in road and bridge construction. He warned that contractors and officers failing to adhere to norms would face stern action. Stressing the importance of accessibility in difficult terrains, the CM called for building durable roads in hilly regions and launching training programmes to enhance the skills of contractors.
Highlighting Odisha’s progress under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), the Chief Minister noted that the state ranks fourth in India, having constructed 70,711.24 km of roads out of the 73,984.88 km sanctioned. The fourth phase of the scheme, now underway, targets tribal-dominated, aspirational, and Naxal-affected areas, with plans to build 942 new roads and 8 bridges connecting 1,021 previously unlinked villages.
The Rural Development Department has recorded significant achievements in recent years. In 2024-25, 4,500.30 km of roads were built under the Chief Minister’s Road Scheme, along with 186 bridges under the Bridge Construction Scheme. For 2025-26, the department has set a target of 5,000 km of new roads and 300 bridges.
Beyond transport, the department is also improving rural infrastructure through the construction of hostels, college houses, government offices, storm and flood shelters, and welfare pavilions. Last year, 451 such structures were completed, with plans to complete another 1,229 buildings in 2025-26.
This renewed focus on rural development aligns with the state government’s “Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha” scheme, a ₹5,000 crore initiative aimed at transforming rural infrastructure and uplifting the socio-economic conditions of Odisha’s villages.
