Bhubaneswar, Jul 10: The Odisha government has approved new operational guidelines for two major rural infrastructure programmes -- Setu Bandhan Yojana and Bridge-cum-Weir Yojana -- with a combined outlay of Rs 12,400 crore over the next five years to strengthen road connectivity and improve water conservation across rural areas.

The Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department has issued fresh guidelines for implementing the two schemes, which are aimed at providing all-weather connectivity to villages while creating irrigation and water storage infrastructure.

Rs 11,800 Crore for 3,167 Bridges
Under the Setu Bandhan Yojana, the state government will spend Rs 11,800 crore to construct 3,167 bridges across Odisha.

The scheme replaces the earlier Biju Setu Yojana and will prioritise the completion of 1,417 incomplete bridges left unfinished under the previous programme.

In addition, the government plans to build 1,750 new bridges, at the rate of around 350 bridges every year, to improve all-weather road connectivity in rural areas.

Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly improve access to remote villages and reduce transportation challenges, particularly during the monsoon.

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Rs 600 Crore for Bridge-cum-Weir Projects
The government has earmarked Rs 600 crore for the Bridge-cum-Weir Yojana, which combines road infrastructure with water conservation.

Under the scheme, bridge-cum-weir structures will be built across rivers and streams to facilitate transport while simultaneously storing rainwater for irrigation and groundwater recharge.

A total of 670 projects have been identified under the programme, including 162 ongoing projects and 508 new ones.

Focus on Rural Infrastructure and Irrigation
The state government said the twin schemes are designed to improve rural infrastructure, ensure uninterrupted road connectivity and strengthen irrigation facilities for farmers.

Besides easing transportation, the bridge-cum-weir projects are expected to enhance water availability in agricultural areas by retaining rainwater and supporting irrigation during dry periods.

Officials said the new guidelines aim to ensure timely implementation, better monitoring and faster completion of projects across the state.