Odisha Sets Ambitious Five-Year Target Of 30,000 Km Rural Roads And 500 Bridges

The Odisha government has unveiled an ambitious plan to construct 30,000 km of rural roads and 500 bridges over the next five years.

At a review meeting of the Rural Development department held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Friday (22 August), Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi instructed officials to ensure construction of top quality infrastructure by utilising 100 per cent of the funds received under various schemes and budget provisions, The New Indian Express reported.

“Strict action will be taken against contractors, agencies and officials found responsible for any sub-standard work,” he warned, stressing the need for durable infrastructure and proper upkeep.

The Chief Minister called for skill enhancement programmes for contractors and urged officials to prioritise road links to hilly and inaccessible villages, particularly those inhabited by tribal communities.

He underlined that such connectivity would significantly improve livelihoods and access to services in marginalised areas.

Odisha has already recorded major progress under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Out of 73,984.88 km of sanctioned roads, the state has built 70,711.24 km, ranking fourth nationally.

The ongoing PMGSY Phase IV aims to add 942 roads and eight bridges, linking more than 1,000 unconnected habitations in tribal and Naxalite-affected districts.

Parallel efforts under the PM Janman Yojana include 66 roads and four bridges to benefit habitations of Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs).

Under the Mukhyamantri Sadak Yojana (MSY), 4,500 km of roads were completed in 2024–25, while 5,000 km are underway in 2025–26 at a cost of Rs 3,469.94 crore.

The MSY also envisages construction of 186 bridges in 2024-25 and 300 more in 2025-26.

Beyond road infrastructure, the rural development department is also executing public works including hostels, government buildings, and disaster shelters. In 2024–25, 451 buildings were completed, with 1,229 projects lined up for 2025–26.

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