bhubaneswar unveils plan to bridge rural-urban divide with 30,000 km roads
The state’s leadership has unveiled a transformative roadmap to build 30,000 kilometres of rural roads and 500 bridges over the next five years, marking a concerted effort to dismantle the geographical barriers that have long isolated rural communities. This ambitious plan is not merely a construction drive but a strategic blueprint for fostering a more equitable, inclusive, and sustainable Odisha, where connectivity serves as a foundational pillar for social and economic progress.
For countless villagers, particularly those in hilly terrains and remote tribal habitations, poor road infrastructure has been a significant impediment to a better quality of life. The lack of reliable connectivity restricts access to markets, prevents timely medical care, and hinders educational opportunities. This new plan directly addresses this disparity by prioritising unlinked villages and Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) under schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) and PM Janman Yojana. This focus on the most vulnerable communities underscores a commitment to equitable development and dignified living for all citizens.
The sheer scale of the project, with a target to construct 5,000 kilometres of roads in the current fiscal year alone, demonstrates the government’s resolve. The roadmap also includes a robust push for bridge construction, with plans to build 300 new bridges under the Setu Bandhan Yojana, ensuring that communities are not cut off by rivers or seasonal floods. This dual focus on roads and bridges creates a resilient network that can withstand the challenges of the state’s diverse geography, benefiting everyone from farmers transporting produce to students travelling to schools.
A key element of this initiative is the strong emphasis on quality and accountability. The state’s leadership has issued a firm directive to officials to ensure zero tolerance for substandard work and to penalise contractors who fail to meet strict standards. This focus on durable infrastructure is not only a matter of fiscal responsibility but also of environmental sustainability. High-quality, long-lasting roads reduce the need for constant, energy-intensive repairs, while smoother travel leads to less vehicle wear-and-tear and reduced carbon emissions from combustion engines.
By blending major infrastructure development with a clear focus on quality, equity, and sustainability, the state is setting a new standard for rural governance. The plan transcends traditional construction goals by including public buildings like hostels, colleges, and disaster shelters, thereby creating a holistic ecosystem of growth. This proactive approach to public works aims to empower communities and pave the way for a resilient and prosperous future for all residents, irrespective of their location.
