Rural Development / Odisha Govt Approves ₹1,300 Cr for Rural Road Connectivity

Bhubaneswar, Aug 24: The state government has expanded the Mukhyamantri Sadak Yojana to provide all‑weather road connectivity to unconnected and remote villages, with a financial outlay of ₹1,300 crore approved for the project.

The Rural Development Department announced that the scheme’s duration has been extended from 2021-22 to 2025-26, covering five years.

The initiative aims to integrate villages in Left Wing Extremism (LWE)‑affected districts, hilly terrains, and other inaccessible regions into the mainstream by ensuring reliable road links.

Also read: Odisha CM Holds 20th State-Level Grievance Hearing; 95% Complaints Resolved So Far

Originally launched in 2019-20 as the “Unconnected Villages Connectivity Scheme,” the project saw the construction of 580 km of roads at a cost of ₹602 crore.

In 2021-22, it was renamed Mukhyamantri Sadak Yojana to emphasize its focus on providing permanent connectivity to remote habitations.

Under the revised plan, approximately 1,150 km of new roads will be built between 2025-26 and 2030-31. Officials said the expansion will significantly improve access to essential services such as education, healthcare, markets, panchayat offices, and hospitals for residents of remote areas.

The government believes that better connectivity will not only enhance quality of life but also strengthen economic opportunities and social integration in regions that have long remained isolated.

By linking villages to the broader road network, the scheme is expected to reduce travel hardships, improve emergency response, and foster inclusive development.

With the ₹1,300 crore allocation, the Rural Development Department has underlined its commitment to bridging the gap between remote communities and mainstream Odisha, ensuring that no village remains cut off from basic services.