Odisha is set for a major infrastructure boost with the approval of 32 new bridges under the Setu Bandhan Yojana for FY 2025–26. The project, valued at Rs 12.6 billion, is aimed at improving road connectivity across ten districts, enhancing mobility and driving local development.

The bridges will be constructed in Bolangir, Subarnapur, Nayagarh, Sambalpur, Malkangiri, Bargarh, Koraput, Jagatsinghpur, Cuttack, and Puri. Many of these areas are rural or located in difficult terrains, where improved accessibility will greatly benefit the transportation of goods and public mobility.

Setu Bandhan Yojana is a flagship initiative designed to bridge the infrastructure gap in under-connected regions, reducing travel time and strengthening links between urban and rural areas. Officials confirmed the move aligns with Vision Odisha 2036, which emphasises better road and bridge networks as key drivers of economic growth, particularly in western and southern districts.

Work is expected to commence soon, with tendering and site inspections scheduled in the coming months. The Public Works Department (PWD) will lead the execution, with Odisha Bridge & Construction Corporation (OBCC) Limited supporting implementation.

In addition, the government has planned four major bridges on the Mahanadi, Baitarani, Brahmani, and Kharasrota rivers to further reinforce connectivity. A senior Works Department official also confirmed that a new Odisha State Road Policy is being formulated to systematise construction and maintenance of road infrastructure across the State.