Bhubaneswar, Nov 22 (IANS): The Odisha government on Thursday approved a detailed project report for upgradation of 4,404 km rural roads while it targets for completion of the roads by March 2020.

The detailed project report prepared for upgradation of 4404 km roads were approved at a high-level meeting held under the chairmanship of chief secretary Aditya Prasad Padhi here.

After bagging the number one position at the national level in the implementation of Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY-1) for the year 2017-18, the state government has initiated steps for upgradation of rural roads at block level under PMGSY-II.

Rural Development secretary Mona Sharma said that these upgradation projects would be financed both by Central and state government on 60:40 basis.

She said the target has been set to complete the projects in a phased manner by March 2020.

Chief engineer Bijay Narayan Mishra said that the projects would be sent for final approval of the Union Ministry of Rural Development by end of this month.