TNI Bureau: Odisha marked a major step in rural infrastructure development with the launch of the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), aimed at strengthening road connectivity across remote villages and accelerating grassroots development.

The programme was formally launched in Rayagada in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan.

Under PMGSY-IV, projects worth over ₹1,700 crore have been approved for Odisha, covering 8 districts—Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Sambalpur. A total of 1,702 km of all-weather pucca roads will be constructed to connect 898 villages through 827 new road projects. The Centre and the State will share the funding in a 60:40 ratio.

The Chief Minister said that a prosperous Odisha is impossible without rural development and emphasized that disconnected villages must be brought into the mainstream. He also highlighted that 442 new roads will be built in Rayagada and Malkangiri alone.

In addition, ₹630 crore has been sanctioned for Odisha under Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin), while ₹30 crore has been approved under the Watershed Development Component of PMKSY 2.0.

Rayagada also received a major development boost, with drinking water and infrastructure projects worth over ₹200 crore inaugurated and foundation stones laid. This includes 13 new infrastructure projects worth ₹104.56 crore and three major drinking water projects costing ₹97 crore.

The state government also announced “Mission Powar” (Power-Water-Road), aimed at providing roads, electricity, and drinking water to small habitations with populations above 50.

Calling roads the foundation of social and economic growth, the Chief Minister said that when roads reach villages, development naturally follows.