Archive · 5 Sep 2026
Odisha Renames Biju Setu Yojana, Extends Rural Bridge Programme
Odisha has given its rural bridge-building programme a new name.
It will now be called the Setu Bandhan Yojana.
The old name was Biju Setu Yojana.
The programme began in 2011-12.
It builds bridges where rivers and other obstacles make travel difficult.
These bridges help people reach markets, schools and hospitals.
The government will continue the programme from 2026-27 through 2030-31.
Its main goal remains better rural connectivity.
The Odisha government renamed the Biju Setu Yojana as the Setu Bandhan Yojana.
The rural bridge programme will continue for five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31.
The scheme was launched in 2011-12 to improve rural connectivity across Odisha.
Projects target areas where rivers, streams and other barriers restrict movement.
The programme aims to improve access to markets, schools, healthcare and essential services.
- Who
- The Government of Odisha and its Rural Development Department.
- What
- The Biju Setu Yojana was renamed the Setu Bandhan Yojana and extended for another five years.
- When
- The scheme will continue from 2026-27 to 2030-31; it was originally launched in 2011-12.
- Where
- Rural areas across Odisha.
- Why
- To strengthen rural infrastructure, build bridges across geographical barriers and improve last-mile connectivity to essential services.
- New name
- Setu Bandhan Yojana
- Former name
- Biju Setu Yojana
- Original launch
- 2011-12
- Extension period
- 2026-27 to 2030-31
- Implementing department
- Odisha Rural Development Department
- Primary focus
- Rural bridge construction and connectivity
- Expected benefits
- Improved access to markets, educational institutions, healthcare and other essential services