Bhubaneswar, May 1: The fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-4) was officially launched in Odisha on Friday, marking a significant step towards enhancing rural connectivity across the state.
The inauguration took place in Rayagada, attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan.
Under PMGSY-4, projects worth over ₹1,700 crore have been approved for Odisha. This initiative will construct all-weather roads spanning 1,702 kilometers, connecting 898 villages across eight districts: Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khurda, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Sambalpur. A total of 827 new roads will be built under a 60:40 funding ratio between the central and state governments.
Additionally, the Chief Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation for several development projects in Rayagada district, including drinking water initiatives and infrastructure works exceeding ₹200 crore. This includes the foundation stone for 13 new projects worth ₹104.56 crore.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister emphasized that the development of rural areas is essential for a prosperous Odisha. He recalled former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision, stating that PMGSY has played a crucial role in connecting remote villages to the mainstream.
Focusing on remote areas, he noted that 442 new roads will be constructed in Rayagada and Malkangiri districts alone under this phase.
The central government also announced additional financial assistance for Odisha, including ₹630 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Rural) and ₹30 crore for the water conservation component of the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchai Yojana (WDC-PMKSY 2.0).
The Chief Minister expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the continuous support to Odisha and appreciated the commitment of the central minister towards the state.
He also announced ‘Mission Pahar’ (Electricity-Water-Road), aimed at ensuring connectivity, electricity, and drinking water supply in small settlements with populations over 50, thereby strengthening the rural economy. The state has allocated ₹34,104 crore for the Panchayati Raj department and ₹10,204 crore for the rural development department in the current budget.
Quoting Mahatma Gandhi, the Chief Minister stated that the soul of India resides in its villages, emphasizing that rural connectivity is the backbone of socio-economic development. He highlighted that roads serve as catalysts for comprehensive development in villages.
To ensure quality and transparency, a three-tier monitoring system will be implemented for road construction. The budget for maintenance in 2026-27 includes a provision of ₹550 crore, along with an additional ₹150 crore incentive from the central government for the repair of old roads. The state aims to construct 9,700 kilometers of roads and 350 bridges this year.
During the event, Union Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan stated that the government’s goal is not only to connect villages with roads but also to connect with the hearts of the people. He assured that no village would be deprived of basic amenities.
He also announced that a team of agricultural scientists would visit Odisha to promote integrated agricultural practices. The central government plans to develop ‘Seed Villages’ across the state to enhance farmers’ income through diversified crop production.
Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Ravi Narayan Naik remarked that PMGSY, initiated 26 years ago under Vajpayee’s leadership, has significantly contributed to rural and economic development.
The event was attended by several dignitaries, including Rayagada MLA Appala Swami Kadarka, Gunupur MLA Satyajit Gamango, and Bissam Cuttack MLA Neelamadhav Hikaka, along with senior officials from the Ministry of Rural Development and the Odisha government.
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