Bhubaneswar, Odisha : Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi today reviewed the progress of the Rural Development Department’s programs at Lokseva Bhawan. Highlighting the critical role of rural connectivity, the CM stressed that the department must ensure every village in Odisha enjoys uninterrupted road access, enabling socio-economic growth and better mobility for residents.
Over the next five years, Odisha aims to construct 30,000 km of rural roads and 500 bridges, creating robust infrastructure across the state. Under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Odisha has already completed 70,711 km of approved roads, ranking fourth nationally. This phase focuses on tribal, aspirational, and Naxal-affected regions, planning 942 roads and 8 bridges to connect over 1,000 unconnected habitations. Furthermore, 66 new roads and 4 bridges will benefit over 100 PVTG villages.
The Chief Minister emphasized strict action against substandard work and instructed officials to ensure high-quality construction. To boost efficiency, specialized training programs for contractors have been recommended, along with a focus on systematic maintenance and inspection of all roads and bridges.
The department is also advancing infrastructure projects such as student hostels, government offices, cyclone shelters, welfare centers, and educational buildings. In 2024-25, 451 projects were completed, while 1,229 projects are planned for 2025-26, highlighting Odisha’s commitment to holistic rural development.
The meeting was attended by Rural Development & Panchayati Raj Minister Shri Ravinarayan Nayak, senior secretaries, departmental commissioners, and top engineers, underlining the government’s focus on inclusive, sustainable growth.
Odisha’s ambitious plan for 2025 integrates high-quality road and bridge construction, proactive maintenance, and contractor skill development. These efforts aim to ensure every village enjoys reliable connectivity, driving inclusive development, improved mobility, and long-term socio-economic progress.
