In a major push for rural infrastructure in Odisha, the Union government launched the fourth phase of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana?IV (PMGSY?IV) at Rayagada, announcing a package of connectivity, housing and livelihood measures. The Union Minister for Agriculture and Rural Development, Shivraj Singh Chouhan, handed the PMGSY?IV approval letter to the Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and presided over inaugurations and foundation stone ceremonies. The programme was presented as part of a wider mission of Samruddha Odisha, Viksit Odisha focusing on roads, water and rural infrastructure.

Under the first phase of PMGSY?IV, 827 new roads totalling 1,701.84 kilometres were sanctioned at a total cost of Rs. 16.98 billion (bn). Supplementary funding was announced to complete previously sanctioned unfinished projects to ensure remote and hilly habitations are connected. Officials said the scheme is intended to improve access to education, healthcare, markets and employment.

The Union government approved Rs. 630.61 crore for completion of pending houses under Pradhan Mantri Awaas Yojana?Gramin, Rs. 868.71 crore as the first instalment of MGNREGA for the financial year 2026?27 and Rs. 30.07 crore under WDC?PMKSY 2.0. These allocations convert to Rs. 6.31 billion (bn), Rs. 8.69 billion (bn) and Rs. 300.7 million (mn) respectively, reinforcing housing, employment and irrigation priorities. Ministers emphasised that women, farmers and youth remain central to the development agenda.

The Union Minister pledged that no poor family in Odisha would be left living in a kutcha house and that eligible beneficiaries would receive pucca houses. He outlined measures including the Lakhpati Didi campaign, strengthened self?help groups, livelihood promotion and scientific farming techniques. Officials also highlighted seed village initiatives, increased storage capacity and warehouse creation under the Agriculture Infrastructure Fund to boost farmers' incomes.

The Chief Minister welcomed the central support and described PMGSY?IV as a transformative effort to link difficult, hilly and previously unconnected habitations across the state. Beneficiary distributions and honours under various schemes were conducted at the Rayagada event, which was attended by state ministers, public representatives and a large number of local residents including women beneficiaries.