In a monumental development for rural infrastructure in Odisha, the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana-IV (PMGSY-IV) has been officially launched. Spearheaded by the Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers Welfare and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, the initiative was introduced on May 1, 2026, in Rayagada district.
The programme is designed to connect remote, hilly, and underserved habitations with reliable, all-weather paved roads.
Under the initial phase of the scheme, Odisha has been sanctioned a financial outlay of Rs 1,700 crore. The funds will be utilized to construct 827 new road projects spanning a total length of over 1,700 kilometers across eight critical districts, including Kandhamal, Keonjhar, Khordha, Koraput, Malkangiri, Nabarangpur, Rayagada, and Sambalpur.
Socio-Economic Impact and Key Allocations
The launch event, which coincided with Labour Day, was marked by the exchange of formal approval letters between Union Minister Chouhan and Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. The initiative aims to provide connectivity to 898 previously unconnected habitations, thereby improving access to education, healthcare, and mainstream markets.
In addition to road connectivity, the Union Minister announced complementary allocations aimed at holistic rural development:
- Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G): An allocation of Rs 630.61 crore to complete pending pucca houses and eliminate kutcha houses in rural areas.
- MGNREGA Funding: An unveiling of Rs 868.71 crore to support local employment and livelihood security for the financial year 2026-27.
- WDC-PMKSY 2.0: A dedicated allocation of Rs 30.07 crore to enhance irrigation facilities and promote sustainable agriculture.
Chief Minister Majhi acknowledged the Centre’s support, reiterating the state’s commitment to building a Samruddha Odisha, Viksit Odisha (Prosperous Odisha, Developed Odisha) through infrastructure-led growth.
