New Delhi: Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, will visit Odisha on May 1, where he will launch a major rural infrastructure initiative under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) in Rayagada.
During the programme, to be held at IACR Ground in Barijhola, the Union Minister will unveil rural road projects worth ₹1,698.04 crore in the presence of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
Under PMGSY-IV, a total of 827 road projects covering 1,701.84 kilometres will be undertaken, providing all-weather road connectivity to 898 habitations for the first time. The improved connectivity is expected to enhance access to schools, hospitals, markets, and other essential services, while also driving local economic activity and employment opportunities.
As per the official schedule, Chouhan will hand over the PMGSY-IV approval letter to Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, followed by the inauguration and foundation stone laying of the projects. Beneficiaries will also be felicitated during the event.
The programme will be attended by Odisha’s Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water, Rabi Narayan Naik, along with public representatives and senior officials from both the Central and State governments.
Odisha has already made significant progress under various components of PMGSY. So far, 17,963 roads covering 74,725 kilometres and 707 bridges have been sanctioned in the state, out of which 17,760 roads spanning 71,742 kilometres and 658 bridges have been completed.
The May 1 programme is expected to further accelerate Odisha’s development journey by strengthening rural connectivity and contributing to the broader vision of a “Viksit Bharat” through enhanced infrastructure and economic growth.
(DD News)