PMGSY-IV Launched in Odisha with ₹1,700 Cr Boost to Rural Connectivity

Bhubaneswar, May 1: Odisha on Friday launched Phase IV of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), marking a significant push to enhance rural connectivity and infrastructure across the state. The programme was inaugurated in Rayagada in the presence of Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.

Under PMGSY-IV, Odisha has received an allocation of over ₹1,700 crore for eight districts—Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Sambalpur. The initiative aims to construct 1,702 km of all-weather roads, connecting 898 previously unconnected villages. A total of 827 roads will be developed with funding shared between the Centre and the State in a 60:40 ratio.

Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that rural development is key to Odisha’s growth. He reiterated the government’s commitment to integrating remote habitations into the mainstream through better road infrastructure, drawing inspiration from former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision.

The Chief Minister also announced a series of development projects for Rayagada district. Three mega drinking water projects worth ₹97 crore were inaugurated in Kolnara, Muniguda, and Rayagada blocks, expected to benefit 98 villages. Additionally, foundation stones were laid for 13 infrastructure projects worth ₹104.56 crore across multiple blocks, focusing on roads and bridges in remote areas.

A special focus has been placed on backward and hard-to-reach regions, with 442 new roads planned in Rayagada and Malkangiri districts alone.

Majhi further unveiled ‘Mission Powar’ (Power-Water-Road), a comprehensive initiative aimed at providing roads, electricity, and drinking water to small habitations with populations above 50. Under this mission, the state plans to build 9,700 km of roads and 350 bridges this year.

Highlighting budgetary commitments, the Chief Minister said ₹34,104 crore has been allocated to the Panchayati Raj Department and ₹10,204 crore to Rural Development. For 2026-27, ₹550 crore has been earmarked for road maintenance, along with ₹150 crore in central incentive funds for repairing old roads. A three-tier monitoring system will also be introduced to ensure quality and transparency.

Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the initiative aims not only to build roads but also to improve livelihoods and connect communities. He assured that no village would be left behind in accessing basic infrastructure.

Chouhan also announced that a scientific team would be sent to Odisha to promote integrated farming systems and help farmers diversify income sources. The Centre plans to transform agriculture-based villages into ‘Seed Villages’ to strengthen the rural economy.

Further central assistance announced includes ₹630 crore under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin) and ₹30 crore under PMKSY-WDC 2.0.

Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabinarayan Naik noted that PMGSY, launched 26 years ago, continues to play a crucial role in transforming rural India and remains a cornerstone of Odisha’s development strategy.