Odisha Govt fast-tracks 68 pending RIDF projects, pushes for early completion

THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, AUGUST 21, 2026

In a major push to accelerate rural connectivity and strengthen infrastructure across the state, the Odisha government has directed officials to fast-track 68 ongoing projects being implemented under the Rural Infrastructure Development Fund (RIDF) with assistance from NABARD, officials said.

The government has stepped up its focus on removing administrative and execution-related hurdles standing in the way of these critical infrastructure projects, with senior officials instructed to ensure that construction work progresses at a faster pace and the pending projects are completed at the earliest.

A high-level review meeting on the projects was held at Lok Seva Bhawan under the chairmanship of Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh. The meeting examined the progress of the 68 ongoing projects and reviewed key issues affecting their timely completion.

Of the 192 RIDF projects approved in Odisha, 124 have already been completed, while work on the remaining 68 projects is currently under way. The pending projects include 44 bridges and 24 roads, making their early completion crucial for improving connectivity and facilitating smoother movement of people and goods in rural areas.

During the review, officials discussed several bottlenecks slowing down project execution, including utility shifting, diversion of forest land and land acquisition. Singh directed the concerned departmental officials to accord top priority to resolving these issues and take coordinated steps to remove the hurdles without delay.

Emphasising the need for faster implementation, Singh said Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan have consistently stressed the timely completion of infrastructure and public welfare projects in the state.

The latest directive underlines the government's intent to ensure that projects sanctioned for rural infrastructure translate into tangible benefits for people on the ground, particularly by improving road and bridge connectivity in areas where such infrastructure is vital for access to markets, education, healthcare and other essential services.

The meeting was attended by EIC and Special Secretary Samir Hota, Financial Advisor Ratikanta Mahapatra, Additional Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sahu, Deputy Secretary Sundar Madhab Padhi, Chief Engineer (Bridge-1) Prabhas Kumar Majhi, Chief Engineer (Bridge-2) Tapan Kumar Behera, besides superintending engineers and other senior officials.