CM Majhi Sets 30,000 km Road and 500 Bridge Target for Odisha
Rural Development Department directed to ensure quality, timely execution, and efficient fund utilisation
Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has unveiled an ambitious roadmap for rural connectivity and infrastructure development in the state. He has set a target for the Rural Development Department to construct 30,000 kilometres of roads and 500 bridges over the next five years. The announcement came during a detailed review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, where the Chief Minister emphasised the importance of utilising 100 percent of available funds to deliver quality transport facilities to the people.
During the meeting, Chief Minister Majhi directed officials to maintain strict quality control in the construction of roads and bridges. He instructed the department to take firm action against contractors and officers who fail to meet prescribed standards. Special attention was given to building durable roads in hilly and remote areas. To strengthen execution, he also suggested organising training programmes for contractors, enabling them to adopt modern techniques and deliver better results.
Odisha has already recorded notable progress under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). The state currently holds the fourth position in India by constructing 70,711.24 km of roads against the approved target of 73,984.88 km. In its fourth phase, the scheme is focused on tribal-dominated areas, aspirational blocks, and Naxal-affected regions. As part of this phase, the state has proposed the construction of 942 new roads and 8 bridges, which will help connect 1,021 previously unconnected habitations.
The Rural Development Department has shown significant results in recent years. In the financial year 2024-25 alone, 4,500.30 km of roads were built under the Chief Minister’s Road Scheme. Additionally, 186 bridges were constructed under the Bridge Construction Scheme, improving connectivity across rivers and streams. For the financial year 2025-26, the department has set new targets to construct 5,000 km of roads and 300 bridges, further expanding rural infrastructure.
The Chief Minister also reviewed the department’s performance in creating essential public infrastructure. In 2024-25, the department successfully completed 451 construction projects, which included hostels, college buildings, government offices, storm and flood shelters, and welfare pavilions. Looking ahead, the state has made provision to complete 1,229 construction works in 2025-26, ensuring stronger facilities for education, governance, and disaster management in rural areas.
All these initiatives are part of the state government’s broader vision under the “Viksit Gaon, Viksit Odisha” programme. With a planned investment of ₹5,000 crore, this flagship scheme aims to transform the rural landscape of Odisha. By improving connectivity, strengthening infrastructure, and enhancing the socio-economic condition of villages, the government hopes to bridge the rural-urban divide and create opportunities for inclusive growth.
Chief Minister Majhi urged officials of the Rural Development Department to dedicate themselves fully to meeting these ambitious targets. “The development of Odisha’s villages is central to the overall growth of the state. Roads, bridges, and infrastructure are not just projects; they are lifelines that connect people to opportunities,” he said.
The meeting concluded with the Chief Minister reiterating that timely completion, strict monitoring, and accountability would be the pillars of the state’s rural development drive. With clear targets and a strong focus on quality, the Odisha government is preparing to accelerate rural transformation and build a stronger foundation for future growth.
