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PM Modi unveils ₹68,000 crore development boost for Odisha

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Announcement 05 Feb 2024 10:30 AM IST Economic Times

Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled a comprehensive set of development projects in Odisha, totalling over ₹68,000 crore. The initiatives aimed at enhancing the energy sector, including natural gas, coal, and power generation, also encompass significant advancements in road infrastructure, railways, and higher education.

During the unveiling, PM Modi took a walkthrough of the IIM Sambalpur model and attended a photo exhibition. He addressed the gathering, emphasising the transformative impact of the projects on Odisha's development journey, spanning education, railways, roads, electricity, and petroleum sectors. The Prime Minister highlighted the inclusive benefits, asserting that citizens across all sections of Odisha would reap rewards, including the creation of numerous employment opportunities for the youth.

In a moment of pride, PM Modi announced the government's decision to confer the Bharat Ratna on former Deputy Prime Minister Lal Krishna Advani, acknowledging his distinguished contributions to various ministerial roles and decades of parliamentary experience. 

The Prime Minister also noted key infrastructure projects such as the doubling of the Sambalpur-Talcher rail section and the inauguration of a new rail line from Jhar-Tarbha to the Sonpur section, emphasising improved connectivity. Additionally, he underscored the significance of newly inaugurated supercritical and ultra-supercritical thermal plants, ensuring adequate and affordable electricity for every household in Odisha. 

PM Modi credited Central Government policies for the remarkable tenfold increase in Odisha's income over the last decade, citing the positive impact of the District Mineral Foundation in channelling mining income for local development. Odisha has received over ₹25,000 crore through this initiative.

Dignitaries present at the event included Odisha Governor Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Minister for Railways Ashwini Vaishnaw. The occasion marked a significant milestone in Odisha's development trajectory, with a strong focus on key sectors crucial for the state's growth.