Prime Minister Narendra Modi has inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stone for projects exceeding Rs 68,000 crore in Sambalpur, Odisha. The initiatives span the energy sector, including natural gas, coal, and power generation, along with crucial projects in road, railway, and higher education.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated, dedicated, and laid the foundation stone for multiple projects Sambalpur, Odisha. He highlighted the significance of the day for Odisha’s development journey, as projects worth approximately Rs 70,000 crores were launched across education, railway, roads, electricity, and petroleum sectors. Emphasizing the inclusive nature of these projects, he asserted that they would benefit all sections of Odisha, including the poor, laborers, business owners, farmers, and the youth who would find new employment opportunities.
Addressing the state’s transformation into an educational and skill development hub, Prime Minister Modi highlighted the government’s continuous efforts. He cited the establishment of modern educational institutes like IISER Berhampur and Bhubaneshwar’s Institute of Chemical Technology, and now, the setting up of IIM Sambalpur, strengthening the state’s role further.
Referring to the new projects, Prime Minister Modi spoke about the inauguration of the Dhamra-Angul Pipeline Section, part of the Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline Project, connecting Odisha to the National Gas Grid. He also laid the foundation stone for the Nagpur-Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline Section, enhancing natural gas availability to Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
In the energy sector, the Prime Minister dedicated projects worth about Rs 28,980 crore, including the NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station and NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project. He laid the foundation stone for the NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III, and the Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) Talabira Thermal power project. These projects aim to provide low-cost power to Odisha and other states, contributing to energy security.
The Prime Minister inaugurated coal infrastructure projects, including First Mile Connectivity projects and the Lajkura Rapid Loading System, enhancing the quality and supply of dry fuel from Odisha. He also inaugurated the Ib Valley Washery, a paradigm shift in coal processing for quality, innovation, and sustainability.
In the rail sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated projects worth about Rs 2146 crore, including the Sambalpur-Talcher Doubling Railway Line and the Jhartarbha to Sonepur New Railway line. He flagged off the Puri-Sonepur-Puri Weekly Express, improving rail connectivity in the region. Additionally, the redevelopment of Sambalpur Railway Station and the dedication of the Jharsuguda Head Post Office Heritage Building were announced.
Prime Minister Modi inaugurated three National Highways road sector projects, totaling about Rs 2110 crore, enhancing connectivity and contributing to the region’s economic development. He also dedicated the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur. The Prime Minister assured the people of Odisha that the Central Government would continue working dedicatedly for the state’s development. Governor of Odisha, Raghubar Das, Chief Minister of Odisha, Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister of Education and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, were present on the occasion.
