Rayagada, May 2: The fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) has officially been launched in Odisha, with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan inaugurating the programme in Rayagada.

Under this phase, 827 new rural roads will be constructed across the state, covering a total length of 1,701.86 kilometers. The project comes with an allocation of nearly ₹1,698 crore, aimed at improving connectivity and boosting development in education, healthcare, and livelihood opportunities in rural areas.

Rayagada district alone will benefit from 274 new roads, with a dedicated budget of ₹562 crore, connecting 898 habitations. The government has emphasized special attention to tribal-dominated regions, ensuring better access to essential services.

Also read: Odisha Matric Results to be Declared Today

Chief Minister Majhi highlighted that the initiative will transform rural infrastructure, enabling villages to connect more effectively with markets, schools, and hospitals. He also announced PMGSY road projects in other districts, including Koraput (23 roads), Malkangiri (168), Nabarangpur (138), Kandhamal (153), Sambalpur (19), Keonjhar (46), and Khordha (7).

Alongside road development, Odisha will also receive ₹630 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Gramin Awas Yojana for housing projects, and ₹30 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana to improve irrigation facilities.

Union Minister Chouhan assured that the central government is committed to supporting Odisha’s farmers and rural communities. He announced that all families living below the poverty line will be provided housing, and a special expert team will conduct land surveys in Odisha to aid agricultural development.

The launch event also witnessed distribution of financial assistance to beneficiaries from different categories, reinforcing the government’s focus on inclusive growth. With this initiative, Odisha is set to witness a significant boost in rural connectivity, infrastructure, and socio-economic development.