Bhubaneswar: Odisha has earned national recognition from the Union Ministry of Rural Development for its outstanding performance in rural connectivity under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY).
The award was presented during the PMGSY’s 25th anniversary celebration held in Sehore, Madhya Pradesh, recently in the presence of Union Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan and Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Mohan Yadav.
In recognition of its achievements, Odisha secured the third position nationally among states providing maximum rural habitation connectivity under PMGSY, linking 16,990 habitations.
The state also ranked third in the hilly region category, with road connectivity extended to 2,132 habitations.
Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said the recognition reflects Odisha’s strong commitment and sustained efforts toward rural development.
He added that the government will continue strengthening rural infrastructure and accelerating inclusive growth in the coming years.
During the national event, Odisha’s innovative “Bandhara Model” was showcased at an engineering and technology exhibition.
The bridge-cum-weir model integrates rural road connectivity with water conservation and was widely appreciated as a sustainable initiative.
It helps regulate water flow in seasonal rivers, recharge groundwater, and ensure the availability of drinking and irrigation water during summer.