Bhubaneswar: Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan is scheduled to visit Odisha on May 1 (Friday) and launch Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY)-IV projects worth Rs 1,698.04 crore in the state.

The Union Minister will launch the rural road projects at an event in Rayagada. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi will also attend the event.

Under this initiative, altogether 827 road projects covering a total length of 1,701.84 kms will be taken up in the state. The initiative will pave the way for 898 habitations to receive all-weather road connectivity for the first time, strengthening access to schools, hospitals, markets, and other essential services, while also accelerating socio-economic development.

Odisha has already recorded notable progress under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana. Under various components of PMGSY, a total of 17,963 roads covering 74,725 kms and 707 bridges have so far been sanctioned in the state, while 17,760 roads spanning 71,742 kms and 658 bridges have already been completed.

The initiative has been linked to the vision of a Viksit Bharat through improved connectivity, faster economic activity, and the empowerment of remote habitations.