Bhubaneswar, Jul 23: In a bid to improve rural connectivity across Odisha, Panchayati Raj Minister Ravi Narayan Nayak has instructed district collectors to prepare comprehensive road development plans for every village.

The directive was issued during his visits to various districts, where he held discussions with local officials regarding the status of village roads.

The minister emphasized that roads are essential for inclusive development and access to basic services. He has given a two-month deadline to district collectors to identify and map all existing roads under different departments, including Panchayati Raj, Rural Development (RD), Roads & Buildings (R&B), and Water Resources.

Some village roads fall under the jurisdiction of the Water Resources Department, which has led to confusion and delays in planning. To address this, Naik has directed officials to clearly demarcate departmental ownership and assess the total road length in each district.

During district-level reviews, officials were asked to consider population density, terrain, and accessibility while preparing Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). These DPRs will serve as the foundation for future road construction and upgrades under various government schemes.

The minister reiterated the government’s commitment to ensuring that no village is left behind in terms of infrastructure. He stated that proper road connectivity will boost economic activities, improve access to healthcare and education, and enhance overall quality of life in rural areas.

The initiative is expected to streamline inter-departmental coordination and accelerate rural development projects. Once the DPRs are submitted, the government will prioritize funding and execution based on urgency and feasibility.

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