Odisha Targets 30,000 km of Rural Roads and 500 Bridges in Five Years
Minister Rabi Narayan Naik warns of strict action against delays; focus on quality, accountability, and efficiency
Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s Rural Development Department has set an ambitious target of constructing 30,000 kilometers of rural roads and 500 bridges over the next five years, Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik announced on Sunday. The roadmap was outlined during a high-level review meeting held at the EIC Office conference hall in Bhubaneswar, attended by senior officials and engineers representing all 60 divisions of the department.
### Strict Deadlines and Accountability
The meeting reviewed the status of ongoing projects and set new benchmarks for the financial year 2025–26. Minister Naik emphasized that timely completion of work and adherence to quality standards would be the department’s top priorities.
“Delays will not be tolerated,” he cautioned, stressing that officers responsible for lapses would face disciplinary measures. Penalties could include salary deductions and strict departmental action. To ensure progress, monthly construction targets will now be assigned and closely monitored, while a regional team will be formed to track delayed projects and enforce accountability.
The review covered several flagship schemes, including the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana Phase 4 (PMGSY-4), under which Odisha has earned national-level recognition for its performance. Districts such as Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, and Rayagada were praised for completing projects in saturation mode.
The Minister also evaluated the Setu Bandhan Yojana, which includes the construction of 400 bridges, and the building of 253 government structures across the state.
Looking ahead, the department is preparing to roll out the Mahatma Gandhi Sadak Yojana (MMSY) in the next financial year. Under this initiative, 5,000 kilometers of roads will be built across 521 projects, further strengthening connectivity in rural areas.
“The Rural Development Department plays a crucial role in improving the lives of people in rural Odisha,” Minister Naik said. “We must work with dedication to achieve the government’s vision and ensure accountability and efficiency at every stage of implementation.”
Minister Naik reiterated that the ambitious infrastructure drive reflects the strong commitment of the state government under the leadership of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. He noted that rural connectivity not only boosts economic growth but also improves access to education, healthcare, and markets for rural communities.
While he expressed satisfaction with the overall pace of work, the Minister made it clear that underperforming divisions must take corrective measures immediately to align with the department’s targets.
The meeting also featured updates from Commissioner-cum-Secretary Yamini Sarangi, who briefed on ongoing progress, while Executive Engineers-in-Chief Pradeep Kumar Jena, Prasanna Kumar Sahu, and Debendra Seth provided detailed presentations on various schemes.
Senior officials including Sarbeswar Singh, Geetarani Pattnayak, Sanghamitra Satapathy, and other regional officers from all 60 divisions attended the meeting, receiving guidance and directives directly from the Minister.
With the target of 30,000 km of roads and 500 bridges, along with multiple new initiatives under PMGSY-4, MMSY, and Setu Bandhan Yojana, Odisha’s Rural Development Department is preparing for one of its most ambitious infrastructure pushes in recent years.
The plan, backed by strict monitoring and a zero-tolerance policy for delays, aims to transform rural connectivity and set a new benchmark in public infrastructure delivery for the state.
