What Major Development Projects Are Being Launched in Odisha by President Murmu and PM Modi?

Joint Unveiling of Development Initiatives in Odisha

Bhubaneswar: On Saturday, President Droupadi Murmu and Prime Minister Narendra Modi will launch development projects exceeding Rs 47,600 crore in Odisha, as confirmed by officials.

Murmu, who arrived in Odisha on Friday evening, will join Modi in Rairangpur, Mayurbhanj district, for this significant event, marking a rare joint appearance for a development initiative.

The projects encompass various sectors, including energy, industrial infrastructure, transportation, drinking water, healthcare, education, tourism, and irrigation, coinciding with the second anniversary of the BJP government in the state.

An official statement indicated that these initiatives aim to bolster infrastructure, enhance connectivity, improve energy security, and generate job opportunities throughout Odisha.

The statement emphasized that these efforts reflect the Prime Minister's vision for inclusive and comprehensive development, targeting growth in tribal and rural areas while ensuring that the benefits reach all corners of the state.

Key projects include the foundation stones for the 600-MW Upper Indravati pumped storage project and the Stage-II expansion of the IB Thermal Power Station, which will add two 660-MW units.

Additionally, the Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited (BCGCL) project in Lakhanpur, Jharsuguda district, will also see its foundation stone laid.

Other notable projects comprise a 300-tonne-per-day municipal solid waste-based compressed biogas plant in Bhubaneswar, a bridge over the Kathajodi river linking Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, and the widening of the Dhalpur-Harbhanga road in Boudh district.

The Nuapada-Ghatipada section of NH-353 will undergo four-laning, while the Kusumdihi mega lift irrigation project, an IGNOU regional centre, and an indoor badminton complex at Rairangpur will also be inaugurated.

PM Modi will dedicate two railway multi-tracking projects valued at over Rs 732 crore to the nation.

The 19-km Jakhapura-Jajpur Keonjhar Road-Baitarani Road multi-tracking project, costing Rs 323 crore, is anticipated to alleviate congestion on the busy Howrah-Chennai main line, enhancing both passenger and freight transport.

The 27-km Hindol Road-Meramandali multi-tracking project, completed at Rs 409 crore, will improve train handling capacity and facilitate the movement of coal, steel, and other industrial goods.

Modi will also inaugurate a 300-bed district headquarters hospital in Boudh, along with 24 Atal bus stands and nine automated testing stations across various districts.

Additional projects set for inauguration include the Nayagarh town bypass on NH-57, the underground pipeline component of the Kusumi Smart Irrigation Project, and a sports complex and tribal research centre at Rairangpur.