The Odisha government has taken a big step to improve disaster preparedness by approving a ₹1,000 crore plan to build 500 kilometers of disaster-resilient roads. These roads will be constructed in areas that are frequently hit by floods and cyclones, under the new ‘Mukhya Mantri Sadak Yojana’. The goal is to finish the project over five years, from 2025 to 2030.
Why These Roads Are Important
Every year, cyclones and floods cause severe damage in Odisha, cutting off villages and towns from emergency help. These new roads are designed to act as lifelines during such disasters. They will help rescue teams, ambulances, and relief vehicles reach affected people faster and more safely.
Special Features of These Roads
To make sure the roads survive extreme weather, they will include:
- Elevated embankments that are higher than usual flood levels
- Strong protection walls to guard against water damage
- Advanced drainage systems to quickly remove excess water
- High-level bridges that won’t get submerged during heavy rains
In hilly areas, the roads will have catchwater drains to prevent landslides and stone pitching (placing stones along slopes and embankments) to stop erosion. Cross-drainage structures will help channel water under the roads, reducing the chance of road collapse and keeping maintenance costs low.
Rural Roads Upgrade in 142 Constituencies
In a separate plan, the state will spend ₹426 crore to improve rural roads in 142 assembly constituencies over the next three years (target completion by 2026–27).
Focus of the Rural Road Scheme
The goal is to:
- Repair damaged and neglected roads
- Improve access to schools, hospitals, and markets
- Strengthen the road network in remote and interior areas
This initiative will make daily travel easier for villagers and ensure they can reach essential services quickly, especially during health or economic emergencies.
Implementation Timeline
- Work for both road projects will start in 2025–26
- The rural roads project is expected to be completed by 2026–27
- Local governments will help prioritise the most urgent routes to ensure timely execution
50% Bus Fare Discount for Vulnerable Groups
In another major announcement, the Odisha Cabinet has decided to slash bus fares by 50% for specific vulnerable groups under the ‘Mukhyamantri Bus Seba’ scheme.
Who Will Benefit
The half-price bus fare will apply to:
- Women
- Transgender persons
- Students
- Senior citizens
- Persons with disabilities
This move is intended to make public transportation more affordable and inclusive, especially for people who rely on government-run buses to travel for work, education, or health services.
In Summary:
- ₹1,000 crore to build strong, disaster-proof roads across cyclone-prone zones.
- ₹426 crore to fix and upgrade rural roads in 142 constituencies.
- 50% bus fare discount for women, students, seniors, trans persons, and people with disabilities.
