Bhubaneswar: In a significant stride towards enhancing rural infrastructure and fostering inclusive development, the Ministry of Rural Development has sanctioned substantial projects for Odisha under the Connectivity component of the Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).
The latest allocation includes the approval of 26 roads, spanning a total length of 63.271 kilometers, and 2 Long Span Bridges (LSBs), with a combined estimated investment of Rs. 69.65 crore.
This initiative aims to provide vital all-weather road connectivity to Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Group (PVTG) habitations across the state.
This recent sanction builds upon previous efforts, where the Ministry had already approved 66 roads, covering 211.14 kilometers, and 4 LSBs, with an investment of Rs. 219.40 crore, also under the PM-JANMAN scheme.
These projects are expected to have a transformative impact on the socio-economic landscape of Odisha’s rural areas, particularly for the PVTGs.
The key benefits outlined by the Ministry include that it will ensure consistent access to PVTG habitations throughout the year and uplift the living standards of PVTGs by enhancing their access to essential services and economic opportunities.
This initiative will connect remote villages with urban centers, facilitating smoother movement of people and goods and Stimulating trade, commerce, and overall economic growth in the region.
It will improve access to crucial facilities such as healthcare, education, and markets and Creating new job opportunities and boosting local economies.
This will contribute to the Union Government’s broader goal of a developed India.
The Ministry of Rural Development emphasized that these projects under PM-JANMAN underscore the government’s unwavering commitment to inclusive development and the empowerment of tribal communities.
By providing essential infrastructure, the initiative aims to catalyze growth and prosperity for the PVTGs in Odisha, ensuring they are integrated into the nation’s development narrative, said a senior officer in Department of ST SC Development.