Odisha Launches PMGSY-IV with ₹1,700 Crore Outlay, Focus on Rural Connectivity and Development

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday emphasised that strengthening rural connectivity is vital to building a “Samruddha Odisha” as he launched the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) in the state.

The scheme was formally rolled out at a state-level function in Rayagada, attended by Union Rural Development and Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Highlighting the importance of rural infrastructure, Majhi said that the development of villages is essential for overall progress. He stressed that connecting rural areas to the mainstream is key to achieving a prosperous Odisha, recalling the vision of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, under whom the PMGSY was originally introduced.

Under PMGSY-IV, projects worth around ₹1,700 crore have been sanctioned for eight districts, aiming to construct 1,702 km of all-weather roads across 898 villages. A total of 827 roads will be developed in Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada and Sambalpur districts, with funding shared between the Centre and the state in a 60:40 ratio.

The Chief Minister noted that special focus has been given to aspirational and remote regions, with 442 roads planned in Rayagada and Malkangiri districts alone.

In addition to road connectivity, Majhi announced several infrastructure initiatives for Rayagada, including the inauguration of three major drinking water projects worth ₹97 crore, which will benefit 98 villages. Foundation stones were also laid for 13 development projects valued at ₹104.56 crore across multiple blocks.

Reiterating the government’s commitment to holistic rural development, Majhi said the state has launched the ‘Mission Powar’ (Power-Water-Road) initiative to ensure basic amenities in every habitation with a population of over 50. He added that ₹34,104 crore has been allocated for the Panchayati Raj Department and ₹10,204 crore for the Rural Development Department in the current budget.

To ensure quality and transparency in implementation, the Chief Minister said a three-tier monitoring mechanism will be put in place for road construction. He further informed that ₹550 crore has been earmarked for the maintenance of rural roads in 2026–27, along with ₹150 crore received as central incentive support.

Invoking Mahatma Gandhi’s vision of village-centric development, Majhi said that roads act as a lifeline for rural areas by opening pathways to growth and opportunities.

Addressing the gathering, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan said the Centre aims not only to connect villages through roads but also to ensure inclusive development. He announced that a team of agricultural scientists will be sent to Odisha to promote integrated farming and develop ‘Seed Villages’.

Chouhan also announced central assistance of ₹630 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and ₹30 crore under the Watershed Development Component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).

State Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik noted that the rural roads scheme, launched over two decades ago, has significantly boosted village development and economic growth.

The programme was attended by several public representatives, including MLAs Apala Swami Kadraka, Satyajit Gomango and Nilamadhab Hikaka, along with senior officials from both the Centre and the state government.