The Odisha Cabinet has approved Rs 10 billion to construct 500 kilometres of disaster-resilient roads in regions vulnerable to floods and cyclones. Sanctioned under the ‘Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana’, the five-year programme (2025–2030) aims to guarantee continuous connectivity during natural disasters.

According to a press release from the Government of Odisha, the planned road features include elevated embankments above flood levels, reinforced protection walls, improved drainage systems, and high-level bridges replacing previously submersible ones.

Designed to function as critical lifelines, these roads will allow rapid access for rescue teams and timely delivery of relief materials during emergencies, particularly during cyclones which frequently disrupt the state.

In a separate rural initiative, the Cabinet approved Rs 4.26 billion to upgrade roads in 142 assembly constituencies over three years. This scheme focuses on enhancing access to schools, healthcare centres, and markets by repairing neglected roads and strengthening infrastructure in remote areas.

The disaster-resilient roads will incorporate erosion-resistant stone pitching, catchwater drains along hillsides, and sufficient cross-drainage systems to manage floodwater. These features aim to lower maintenance costs and improve the durability of road networks in high-risk zones.

Work on both road projects is set to begin in the 2025–26 financial year, with rural road upgrades expected to conclude by 2026–27. The state government highlighted the importance of working with local bodies to prioritise critical routes and ensure effective implementation.

In another key decision, the Cabinet introduced a 50 per cent fare reduction for women, transgender individuals, students, senior citizens, and persons with disabilities on state-run buses. This initiative, under the ‘Mukhyamantri Bus Seba’, aims to promote inclusive and affordable public transport across the state.