THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

RAYAGADA, MAY 1, 2026

Odisha took a major stride towards strengthening rural infrastructure on Friday as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said that the state is poised to set a new benchmark in rural road development, ensuring that heartbreaking scenes of pregnant women being carried on cots due to lack of road connectivity soon become history.

Speaking at Barijhola in Rayagada, where Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally launched the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), Majhi said the state's double-engine government is firmly committed to transforming rural Odisha through robust infrastructure and improved quality of life.

The Chief Minister stressed that the government's focus extends beyond roads to include rural housing, drinking water and economic empowerment. He also issued a stern warning, stating that any irregularities in road construction would invite strict action against erring officials.

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan underscored that the development of villages is fundamental to building a "Viksit Bharat" in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision. He said serving tribal communities is equivalent to serving Lord Jagannath and noted that Odisha is witnessing rapid progress across multiple sectors.

Under PMGSY-IV, Odisha will undertake 827 road projects spanning 1,701.84 km across eight districts at an investment of Rs 1,698.04 crore. The ambitious initiative will provide all-weather road connectivity to 898 previously unconnected habitations, significantly improving access to schools, healthcare facilities and markets.

Rayagada emerged as the biggest beneficiary under this phase, securing 274 road projects worth Rs 562.10 crore. These roads will cover 552.21 km and connect 314 villages, the highest allocation received by any district in Odisha.

The event also witnessed the inauguration and foundation laying of several projects related to roads, housing and drinking water, further reinforcing the government's commitment to holistic rural development.

In a significant boost to the agrarian economy, Chouhan announced new agricultural initiatives for Rayagada aimed at enhancing farmers' income. Warehouses will be built under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund, while projects worth Rs 630 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Rs 30 crore under irrigation schemes were also unveiled.

PMGSY-IV is expected to dramatically improve rural connectivity, enhance market access, generate employment and reduce poverty. The expansion of road infrastructure is also set to accelerate socio-economic transformation in Odisha's remote and tribal-dominated regions.

Having already built over 71,000 km of roads under earlier phases of PMGSY, Odisha's latest push marks another milestone in its journey towards inclusive, sustainable and equitable rural development.