Odisha to construct 3,000 km road under PMGSY by this year

As many as 819 unconnected habitations would be connected by utilising Rs 1700 crore.

State level Vigilance & Monitoring Committee meeting held here under the chairmanship of rural development minister B K Arukh took the decision in this regard.

According to Chief Engineer (Rural Works) Prabir Pradhan, the Centre has so far sanctioned projects Rs 12741.90 crore for construction of 9184 road projects (36,070 km).

This would provide connectivity to 10709 unconnected habitations. Out of the sanctioned project cost, the Centre has released Rs 9,629.55 crore upto April 30.

By the end of April 2012, Pradhan said 23309 km has been completed and Rs 8598.42 crore utilised. As a result, the official said 7333 unconnected habitations have been provided with all-weather connectivity.

The financial achievement is 90 per cent of the funds received so far, Pradhan claimed.

During 2011-12 financial year, 3167 km new roads have been completed and Rs 1235.78 crore utilised. It has provided connectivity to 720 unconnected habitations.

DPR proposal for new road projects covering a length of further 6,000 KM are under preparation for submission to Ministry of Rural Development for approval during the current year, Pradhan said.