Bhubaneswar: The State Cabinet has approved a major expansion of the “Setu Bandhan Yojana (SBY)” to strengthen rural connectivity with the construction of 1,750 new bridges.
The scheme, initially launched as “Biju Setu Yojana (BSY)” in 2011-12, aims to bridge all missing-links on roads under the RD Department. It also covers strategic and important Panchayat Samiti roads belonging to the PR & DW Department.
The objective is to provide an effective all-weather road network across the state to meet the transportation needs of every sector in a cost-effective manner.For the current phase from 2021-22 to 2025-26, the scheme was approved with an outlay of Rs 8,779.22 Cr for execution of 2,403 bridges — 380 ongoing and 2,023 new.
Considering the need for bridges in rural areas to improve communication and socio-economic conditions, the Cabinet has now approved taking up 1,750 new bridges in addition to completion of 1,417 ongoing bridges.
The expanded phase will be implemented with an outlay of Rs 11,000.00 Cr. The Cabinet has also approved extension of the scheme up to 2030-31.Officials said the new bridges will significantly improve access to health, education, markets and other essential services for people in rural and remote areas.
