In a landmark move that reinforces the Centre’s commitment to inclusive development and strengthens Odisha’s rural infrastructure framework, the Ministry of Rural Development has approved a fresh wave of road and bridge projects under the ambitious Pradhan Mantri Janjati Adivasi Nyaya Maha Abhiyan (PM-JANMAN).
This strategic push — aimed at enhancing all-weather connectivity for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs) — highlights the growing synergy between the Modi-led Central Government and the BJP government in Odisha under Chief Minister Shri Mohan Majhi, both focused on accelerating last-mile infrastructure in underserved tribal belts.
Under the latest sanction, Odisha has been granted 26 new roads covering 63.271 km and two Long Span Bridges (LSBs), with a total investment of ₹69.65 crore. These augment the earlier sanctioned 66 roads (211.14 km) and four LSBs, bringing the cumulative infrastructure package for Odisha under PM-JANMAN to an impressive ₹289.05 crore.
“This isn’t just an infrastructure project. This is a civilizational correction and a social justice movement,” said a senior official from the Rural Development Ministry. “The roads and bridges sanctioned will directly impact tribal lives by connecting remote habitations to health, education, and economic opportunities.”
Empowering Tribals, Strengthening Odisha
This development comes at a crucial time when the BJP government in Odisha is laser-focused on governance that delivers. Under CM Shri Mohan Majhi’s leadership, the state has prioritized implementation of Central schemes with precision, ensuring timely delivery and transparency. Odisha’s proactive approach in supporting the PM Gati Shakti-driven data collection for PVTG habitation mapping was a critical enabler for these approvals.
Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj in Odisha lauded the Centre’s vision, stating, “This is a classic example of cooperative federalism. The BJP in Odisha is delivering results where it matters the most — to the people who were for decades left behind by previous regimes.”
The PM-JANMAN Vision
PM-JANMAN, launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeks to empower the 75 PVTG communities across 18 states and 1 Union Territory by ensuring access to 11 critical interventions including:
- Road and telecom connectivity
- Safe housing and electrification
- Clean drinking water
- Education, health, and nutrition facilities
- Sustainable livelihood opportunities
With nine ministries working in tandem, and state governments acting as execution partners, the Abhiyan epitomizes the Viksit Bharat vision — where development reaches every corner of the nation.
In Odisha, known for its deep tribal roots and cultural richness, this mission is poised to transform hundreds of remote villages, infusing them with dignity, mobility, and opportunity.
A Turning Point for Tribal Odisha
This infrastructure boost underlines a pivotal shift in governance. For decades, tribal regions in Odisha were either underserved or neglected. With PM-JANMAN, and an aligned state and central leadership, that narrative is being rewritten.
This is New Odisha under BJP — decisive, development-driven, and committed to leaving no one behind.