Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that the new scheme aims to develop robust road infrastructure that ensures minimal disruption in connectivity during and after natural disasters
Representational Image Pic/PTI
On Wednesday, the Odisha government, in a cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved several key schemes, including a major initiative to build 500 km of disaster-resilient roads with a total outlay of Rs 1,000 crore, officials said.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that the new scheme aims to develop robust road infrastructure that ensures minimal disruption in connectivity during and after natural disasters. These roads will help maintain access to emergency services in disaster-affected areas across the state.
He added that the roads will be constructed to withstand damage from natural calamities and will require minimal maintenance. Described as lifelines for disaster-prone areas, the roads will be built over a five-year period, from the financial year 2025-26 to 2029-30, with an annual allocation of Rs 200 crore.
In addition to this, the cabinet approved eight other proposals. Another new scheme titled ‘Constituency-wise Allocation’ (CWA) was launched by the cabinet, aimed at constructing and upgrading rural development (RD) roads across all 142 Assembly constituencies in Odisha. According to Ahuja, this scheme will be implemented from 2024-25 to 2026-27 with a total estimated budget of Rs 426 crore.
The cabinet also approved the continuation of the ‘Nirmal: Strengthening Ancillary Services at Public Health Facilities’ scheme for another five years. This initiative, with an approved budget of Rs 5,174.79 crore, seeks to improve the healthcare environment and provide better facilities at public health centres statewide.
Another significant health initiative, the ‘NIDAAN’ scheme, was also extended. This scheme offers free diagnostic and dialysis services at government health facilities. Ahuja said the government has allocated Rs 2,459.51 crore for the scheme's continuation over the next five years.
In another decision aimed at improving healthcare services, the cabinet approved Rs 2,021.87 crore from the state budget for managing bio-medical waste generated at public healthcare facilities.
In the veterinary sector, the government has created 113 new posts under the Odisha Veterinary Technical Service cadre, raising its total strength to 4,158.
Additionally, the cabinet gave the green light to the ‘Mukhyamantri Bus Seva’ (MBS) scheme, aimed at enhancing public transport connectivity across Odisha. This initiative seeks to provide safe, reliable, and affordable bus services to key destinations both within and outside the state.
Under this scheme, women, transgender persons, students, persons with disabilities (PwDs), and senior citizens will receive a 50 per cent concession on ticket fares for both AC and non-AC buses. The total estimated budget for this initiative is Rs 3,278 crore over a span of three years. The bus routes will link major business centres, educational and medical hubs, and other key public destinations.
(With inputs from PTI)
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