Rayagada: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Friday said the state is set to create a new benchmark in rural road development, asserting that distressing scenes of pregnant women being carried on cots due to lack of connectivity will soon become a thing of the past.

He was speaking at a programme in Rayagada where Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan formally launched the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-IV), aimed at strengthening rural infrastructure across the state.

The Chief Minister emphasised that the “double engine” government is committed not only to road development but also to improving rural housing, drinking water access, and economic conditions. He warned of strict action against officials in case of any irregularities in road construction works.

Addressing the gathering, Chouhan said development of villages is central to building a “Viksit Bharat,” in line with the vision of PM Narendra Modi. He added that serving tribal communities is akin to serving Lord Jagannath and highlighted that Odisha is witnessing visible development across sectors.

Under PMGSY-IV, a total of 827 road projects covering 1,701.84 km will be taken up across eight districts at an estimated cost of Rs 1,698.04 crore. The initiative is expected to provide all-weather road connectivity to 898 previously unconnected habitations, improving access to schools, healthcare, and markets.

In Rayagada district alone, 274 roads will be constructed at a cost of Rs 562.10 crore, covering 552.21 km and connecting 314 villages. Rayagada has received the highest number of projects under this phase in Odisha.

The programme, held at Barijhola in Rayagada, also saw the inauguration and foundation laying of multiple projects related to roads, housing, and drinking water.

Chouhan further announced that new agricultural initiatives will be implemented in Rayagada to enhance farmers’ income. Warehouses will also be constructed under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund. Additionally, projects worth Rs 630 crore under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana and Rs 30 crore under irrigation schemes were announced.

The scheme will play a key role in strengthening rural connectivity, improving market access, generating employment, and reducing poverty. The expansion of road infrastructure is also expected to accelerate socio-economic transformation in remote regions of Odisha.

With Odisha already having constructed over 71,000 km of roads under earlier phases of PMGSY, the latest rollout is being seen as a significant step towards inclusive and sustainable rural development in the state.