Report by Saumya Parida; Bhubaneswar: Target has been set for construction of 3000KM long new roads in the State under PMGSY this year. 819 no. of unconnected habitations would be connected by utilizing Rs. 1700 Crore.

State level Vigilance & Monitoring Committee meeting has been held under the chairmanship of Sri Bikram Keshari Arukha, Minister, RD & Law today. Minister, Panchayati Raj Sri Maheswar Mohanty, Minister, Revenue Disaster management & Information & Public Relations Sri Suryanarayan Patra, MLA of Bhadrak Sri Jugal Kishore Pattanaik, MLA of Aul Sri Pratap Keshari Dev, MLA of Biramaharajpur Sri Padmanav Behera, MLA of Begunia Sri Prasanta Nanda, MLA of Bangiriposi Smt. Sarojini Hembram, Panchayati Raj Secretary Sri P.K.Jena and other officials gave their valuable suggestions on various developmental schemes undertaken by the State Government.

Chief Engineer, Rural Works Sri Prabir Pradhan informed in the meeting that till now, under PMGSY, Govt. Of India has sanctioned projects for Rs. 12741.90 Crore for construction of 9184 no. of road projects (36070KM) to provide connectivity to 10709 no. of unconnected habitations. Out of the above sanctioned project cost, Govt. of India have released Rs. 9629.55 Crore upto 30.04.2012. By the end of April, 2012, 23309 KM have been completed and Rs. 8598.42 Crore has been utilized. As a result 7333 no. of unconnected habitations have been provided with all weather connectivity. The financial achievement is 90% of the funds received.

During 2011-12 financial year, 3167 KM new road has been completed and Rs. 1235.78 Crore has been utilized. It has provided connectivity to 720 no. of unconnected habitations.

DPR proposal for new road projects covering a length of further 6000KM are under preparation for submission to MoRD, Govt. of India for approval during the current year, Sri Pradhan said.