Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chouhan initiated the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV) in Odisha. The launch event took place in Rayagada district, attended by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Minister Ravi Narayan Naik. Chouhan handed over the PMGSY-IV approval letter to the Chief Minister during the ceremony.
Chief Minister Majhi announced new road projects for Rayagada district and inaugurated various infrastructure initiatives. Chouhan highlighted the government’s dedication to Odisha’s comprehensive progress, emphasizing the direct benefits of development projects for rural communities. He stressed the significance of roads as vital links for employment, education, healthcare, and socio-economic advancement.
In the first phase of PMGSY-IV, Odisha received approval for 827 new roads spanning 1,701.84 km, with a total cost of Rs 1,698.04 crore. This phase aims to provide all-weather road connectivity to 898 villages across eight districts. The construction of 827 new roads covering approximately 1,702 km will be funded jointly by the Centre and the state in a 60:40 ratio.
Chief Minister Majhi, on the occasion of Labour Day, highlighted the importance of rural connectivity for national development, echoing Mahatma Gandhi’s belief that “India lives in its villages.” He emphasized that robust rural infrastructure is essential for social and economic progress, aligning with former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee’s vision for rural development.
