Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Friday said that the Centre’s goal is not just to connect villages by roads but to connect people and transform life in rural India.
He said this while launching the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) for the State in Rayagada today.
He also announced that a scientific team will visit Odisha to promote integrated farming and develop “Seed Villages” to enhance farmers’ income.
Under PMGSY-IV, projects worth over Rs 1,700 crore have been approved for Odisha. The initiative aims to construct 1,702 km of all-weather roads connecting 898 villages across 8 districts—Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Sambalpur.
The Centre and State will share the cost in a 60:40 ratio. Notably, 442 roads will be developed in Rayagada and Malkangiri alone, focusing on remote and inaccessible regions.
Alongside the launch, development projects worth over Rs 200 crore were inaugurated and foundation stones laid in Rayagada district.
Chief Minister Majhi Majgi highlighted the state’s new initiative—Mission Powar (Power, Water, Road)—aimed at transforming rural infrastructure. The scheme will ensure connectivity, electricity, and drinking water for small habitations with populations above 50.
He emphasized that “a prosperous Odisha is impossible without rural development”, reaffirming the government’s commitment to inclusive growth.With a target to build 9,700 km of roads and 350 bridges this year, the government aims to ensure last-mile connectivity and accelerate economic growth in rural areas.
A robust three-tier quality monitoring system will be implemented for road construction. Additionally:
Rs 550 crore has been earmarked for road maintenance (2026–27) and Rs 150 crore incentive funds will be used for repairing existing roads, he added.
The event was attended among others by local MLAs, senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development, and state government representatives.