Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a slew of development projects worth over Rs 68,000 crore in Odisha, aimed at bolstering the energy sector and various other key areas of growth. The projects encompass the expansion of natural gas, coal, and power generation, as well as significant infrastructural initiatives in road, railway, and higher education sectors.
During his visit to Sambalpur, the Prime Minister toured the model of IIM Sambalpur and attended a captivating photo exhibition. Speaking at the event, PM Modi emphasized the significance of this milestone in Odisha’s developmental journey. He highlighted that these projects would benefit people from all walks of life and generate numerous employment opportunities for the state’s youth.
The Prime Minister took the opportunity to announce that former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani would be honored with the Bharat Ratna, India’s highest civilian award. PM Modi commended Advani’s unparalleled contributions to the nation during his tenure as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, and Information and Broadcasting Minister, as well as his distinguished parliamentary career.
PM Modi underscored the government’s dedication to establishing Odisha as a prime hub for education and skill development. He emphasized the transformative impact of modern educational institutions such as IISER Berhampur, Institute of Chemical Technology in Bhubaneshwar, and the newly established IIM Sambalpur. These institutions are instrumental in realizing the state’s potential in these fields.
The Prime Minister highlighted the central government’s achievements in Odisha over the past decade. This includes significant investments of around Rs 1.25 lakh crore in the petroleum and petrochemical sector, a more than 12-fold increase in the state’s railway budget, and the construction of 50,000 km of roads in rural areas through the PM Gram Sadak Yojna. Additionally, the inauguration of three National Highway projects would enhance interstate connectivity.
PM Modi acknowledged the region’s exceptional potential in mining, power, and steel industries, noting that improved connectivity would pave the way for new industries, generating thousands of jobs. He also mentioned the doubling of the Sambalpur-Talcher rail section and the inauguration of a new rail line from Jhar-Tarbha to the Sonpur section, which will facilitate travel for both devotees and locals.
The Prime Minister assured that the newly inaugurated supercritical and ultra-supercritical thermal plants would ensure affordable and sufficient electricity for every household in Odisha. He emphasized that the state has greatly benefited from the central government’s policies, highlighting the tenfold increase in Odisha’s income since the change in mining policy. This was made possible through the establishment of the District Mineral Foundation, which ensures investments in the development of mining areas.
Prominent figures attending the event included Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. The unveiling of these development projects heralds a new chapter in Odisha’s growth, providing impetus to various sectors and fostering socio-economic progress.
