The Prime Minister inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects worth over Rs 60,000 crore in Jharsuguda, Odisha, marking a major step in the state’s growth trajectory. The projects cover sectors including telecommunications, railways, higher education, healthcare, skill development, and rural housing, reflecting the government’s focus on inclusive development and empowerment of all communities.
During the event, the Prime Minister highlighted the launch of BSNL’s indigenous 4G services, with more than 97,500 mobile towers commissioned, connecting over 30,000 villages and benefiting over two crore citizens. These towers, solar-powered and eco-friendly, strengthen digital infrastructure in tribal, remote, and underserved areas, enabling online education, telemedicine, and enhanced connectivity for farmers and citizens.
The Prime Minister also flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express between Berhampur and Udhna, providing affordable, safe, and comfortable long-distance travel across five states. The service is expected to boost trade, tourism, and employment opportunities, particularly for youth and local industries.
Significant railway projects were inaugurated or had foundation stones laid, including the Rail Flyover at Sambalpur–Sarla, doubling of the Koraput–Baiguda line, and the Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur line, improving freight and passenger movement in Odisha and neighbouring states.
In the field of education and skill development, the Prime Minister laid the foundation for expansion of eight IITs at an investment of around Rs 11,000 crore, creating capacity for 10,000 new students and establishing state-of-the-art research parks. The MERITE scheme was launched to enhance quality, equity, research, and innovation across 275 state engineering and polytechnic institutions. The Odisha Skill Development Project Phase II will establish World Skill Centres in Sambalpur and Berhampur and upgrade ITIs into Centres of Excellence, covering sectors such as AgriTech, Renewable Energy, Retail, Marine, and Hospitality.
Healthcare infrastructure received a boost with the foundation for upgradation of MKCG Medical College in Berhampur and VIMSAR in Sambalpur into super-speciality hospitals, offering enhanced services in trauma care, maternal and child care, dental care, and academic facilities.
The Prime Minister also distributed sanction orders under Antyodaya Gruha Yojana to 50,000 beneficiaries, providing pucca houses and financial assistance to vulnerable rural families, including persons with disabilities, widows, terminally ill individuals, and victims of natural calamities.
Highlighting Odisha’s industrial potential, the Prime Minister announced approval for two semiconductor units and a semiconductor park, reinforcing the role of youth and local talent in driving economic growth. He underlined initiatives to achieve self-reliance in telecom, shipbuilding, and manufacturing, emphasizing the broader Atmanirbhar Bharat vision.
The event was attended by the Governor of Odisha, Chief Minister, Union Ministers, and dignitaries, with several leaders joining virtually, witnessing a historic day of development and inclusive progress in Odisha.
