In a major infrastructure push, the Odisha Cabinet has greenlit two major road projects worth over ₹1,400 crore to strengthen connectivity in disaster-prone and rural regions, along with a landmark public transport rebate for vulnerable groups.
Under the newly sanctioned ‘Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana’, ₹1,000 crore has been earmarked to build 500 km of disaster-resilient roads between 2025 and 2030. These roads will be strategically laid in cyclone and flood-hit districts, ensuring round-the-clock access during emergencies.
Key features include elevated embankments above flood levels, reinforced protection walls, modern drainage systems, and high-level bridges to replace frequently submerged routes. The roads are designed to support rapid evacuation and relief missions during natural disasters.
In parallel, the Cabinet approved ₹426 crore to upgrade rural roads in 142 assembly segments over the next three years. This project aims to repair and modernise infrastructure connecting remote villages to schools, hospitals, and local markets. Engineering upgrades like stone pitching, hillside drains, and cross-drainage structures will make the roads more durable and reduce maintenance in vulnerable terrains.
Both road projects are slated to commence in FY 2025–26, with the rural initiative expected to wrap up by 2026–27. Local bodies will assist in mapping out priority routes to ensure impactful implementation.
Additionally, the Cabinet rolled out a 50% fare discount on state-run buses for women, students, transgender persons, seniors, and persons with disabilities. The relief, part of the ‘Mukhyamantri Bus Seba’, aims to enhance affordable mobility for vulnerable sections of society.
