Bhubaneswar:22/8/25:Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan to review the progress of the Rural Development Department’s initiatives, emphasising quality infrastructure and robust connectivity for rural areas.

The meeting underscored the state’s commitment to constructing 30,000 kilometres of roads and 500 bridges over the next five years to ensure all-weather connectivity for Odisha’s villages.

Majhi stressed the importance of utilising allocated funds effectively to deliver high-quality infrastructure. He directed officials to prioritise road and bridge maintenance and ensure top-notch construction standards. “Substandard work will not be tolerated,” the Chief Minister warned, instructing the department to take strict action against contractors and officials responsible for poor-quality projects.

Odisha has achieved significant progress under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), completing 70,711.24 km of the approved 73,984.88 km of roads, securing the fourth position nationally. The state has now embarked on the fourth phase of PMGSY, targeting connectivity for tribal areas, aspirational blocks, and Naxal-affected regions. This phase includes plans for 942 roads and eight bridges to connect 1,021 unconnected habitations.

Under the PM Janman Yojana, 66 roads and four bridges have been approved to connect 73 Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations. Additionally, the Mukhyamantri Sadak Yojana saw 4,500.30 km of roads constructed in 2024-25, with plans for 5,000 km in 2025-26 at a cost of ₹3,469.94 crore. The Setubandhan Yojana facilitated the construction of 186 bridges in 2024-25, with 300 more planned for 2025-26.

To enhance contractor efficiency, Majhi proposed training programs to improve skills and ensure quality output. The department is also undertaking other infrastructure projects, including hostels, college buildings, government offices, cyclone shelters, and community halls. In 2024-25, 451 such projects were completed, with 1,229 planned for 2025-26.

The meeting was attended by Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik, Secretary Shashwat Mishra, Commissioner-cum-Secretary Yamini Shadangi, and senior department officials, reflecting the state’s unified push for rural progress.