Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan has launched the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) in Odisha, with an estimated outlay of ₹1,700 crore, aimed at boosting rural connectivity across the state.
The scheme was rolled out at an event in Barijhola, Rayagada district, and is expected to significantly improve access to remote and underserved regions.
Under the first phase of PMGSY-IV implementation in Odisha, 827 road projects have been sanctioned, covering a total length of 1,701.84 km and benefiting 898 villages across districts including Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Sambalpur.
Chouhan highlighted that rural road connectivity is a key enabler of economic development, improving access to jobs, education, healthcare, and markets. He also announced additional financial support to complete pending road projects under earlier phases.
In parallel, the Centre approved ₹630.61 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana Gramin to complete unfinished rural housing projects.
Marking International Workers’ Day, the government also released ₹868.71 crore as the first instalment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act for FY27, along with ₹30.07 crore under Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0) to strengthen irrigation and watershed projects.
Reinforcing the focus on inclusive growth, Chouhan emphasised initiatives such as self-help groups, Lakhpati Didi, and diversified rural livelihoods including animal husbandry, fisheries, and beekeeping.
He also announced plans to deploy agricultural scientists in Odisha to promote integrated farming practices and develop villages into ‘seed villages’ to boost productivity and farmer incomes.
Speaking at the event, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi termed PMGSY-IV a transformational initiative, especially for connecting hilly and inaccessible regions.
Majhi also unveiled ‘Mission PoWaR’ (Power-Water-Road), a state initiative to strengthen rural infrastructure by ensuring roads, electricity, and drinking water in villages with populations above 50.
The state has allocated ₹34,104 crore for Panchayati Raj and ₹10,204 crore for Rural Development in its FY27 budget, alongside provisions for road maintenance and quality monitoring through a three-tier inspection mechanism.
The launch underscores the Centre and state’s continued push toward inclusive rural development and infrastructure-led growth.
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