Odisha gets national recognition for excellence in rural road connectivity under PMGSY

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, MAY 11, 2026

Odisha has received national recognition from the Union Ministry of Rural Development for its outstanding performance in the implementation of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and significant achievements in strengthening rural connectivity across the state.

The award was conferred during the celebration marking 25 years of PMGSY, held at Sehore in Madhya Pradesh on Sunday. The programme was attended by Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.

Over the past 25 years, PMGSY has emerged as a transformative initiative in strengthening rural connectivity across the country. Through the scheme, more than 1.63 lakh habitations nationwide have been connected with all-weather roads, significantly improving access to education, healthcare, markets and livelihood opportunities in rural areas. The programme has also played a vital role in upgrading rural infrastructure and improving the quality of life in villages.

Odisha secured the third position nationally in the category of states providing road connectivity to the highest number of habitations under PMGSY. The state has connected 16,990 habitations with road infrastructure under the scheme. In the category covering North-Eastern states, Union Territories and hilly regions, Odisha again achieved the third rank by connecting 2,132 habitations located in hilly areas.

As part of the national event, Odisha also showcased its innovative “Bandhara Model” during the Engineering and Technology Model Exhibition. The bridge-cum-weir model, integrating rural connectivity with water security, has been recognised as a successful and sustainable development initiative of the state.

The model incorporates water retention mechanisms in seasonal rivers to regulate water flow and support groundwater conservation. This helps ensure the availability of drinking water and irrigation facilities during the summer season, while simultaneously improving connectivity in remote rural regions.

State Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said the national recognition reflects Odisha’s strong commitment and sustained efforts towards rural development. He asserted that the state government remains dedicated to holistic rural transformation and would further strengthen the initiative in the coming years.