Bhubaneswar: To strengthen connectivity in villages, the Odisha Cabinet on Tuesdau approved a new five-year programme to upgrade existing Rural Development roads across the state.
The Cabinet, which met under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved the implementation of “MMSY-Improvement to Existing R.D Roads” scheme from 2025-26 to 2029-30 with an outlay of Rs 5,750 crore.
Under the scheme, approximately 17,500 km of existing RD roads will be improved. The Cabinet has also approved completion of all ongoing projects under the programme during this period, Chief Secretary Anu Garg told reporters.
The objective is to cater to the increased communication needs in rural areas. The upgraded roads will provide better access to health and education facilities including hospitals, schools, colleges, panchayats, markets, tourist destinations, trade and commerce centres, and other institutions, she said.
The initiative aims to strengthen rural connectivity and improve the living standards of people in far-flung areas by linking them more effectively to essential services and economic hubs.
With Cabinet approval, the Rural Development Department is now set to begin execution of the projects in a phased manner.
