Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Sambalpur, Odisha on Saturday where unveiled a series of infrastructure projects totaling Rs 68,400 crore. The visit is aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision to bolster the nation’s economic growth.
PM’s Agenda in Sambalpur, Odisha
PM Modi has initiated the inauguration, dedication, and foundation stone laying of projects in Sambalpur designed to enhance the roads and railway sector and also the energy sector among others.
Key projects in Odisha
Road and Railway Projects:
National Highways: PM Modi inaugurated three road sector projects, enhancing connectivity and contributing to economic development.
Railway Initiatives: The Sambalpur Railway Station redevelopment and the Sambalpur-Talcher Doubling Railway Line (168 Kms) will see their foundation stones laid, along with the inauguration of the Jhartarbha to Sonepur New Railway line (21.7 Kms).
New Train Service: Puri-Sonepur-Puri Weekly Express will be flagged off, improving regional rail connectivity.
Energy Infrastructure Boost:
Dhamra – Angul Pipeline Section: Prime Minister inaugurated the 412 Km section of the ‘Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline Project (JHBDPL)’ at a cost exceeding Rs 2450 crore under ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga.’ This crucial project connects Odisha to the National Gas Grid.
Nagpur Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline Section: PM Modi laid the foundation stone for this 692 Km pipeline section, part of the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda Pipeline. With an investment of over Rs 2660 crore, it will enhance natural gas availability to states like Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
Power Projects Dedication:
NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station: The Prime Minister dedicated the 2×800 MW power station in Sundargarh district.
NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project: Another dedication includes this expansion project (1×250 MW) in Sundargarh district, contributing to Odisha’s power supply.
NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III: The foundation stone has been laid for this 2×660 MW project in Angul district, aiming to provide low-cost power to Odisha and neighboring states.
NLC Talabira Thermal Power Project: PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for this project exceeding Rs 27000 crore, aligning with the vision of ‘Atmanirbhar Bharat.’
Coal Infrastructure Unveiling:
First Mile Connectivity (FMC) Projects: Projects including Bhubaneswari Phase-I in Talcher Coalfields and Lajkura Rapid Loading System (RLS) will be inaugurated.
Ib Valley Washery: PM Modi will inaugurate this innovative coal processing facility in Jharsuguda district.
Jharsuguda-Barpali-Sardega Rail Line Phase-1: The second track, spanning 50 km, will be dedicated to enhancing rail network capacity.
Educational and Heritage Contributions:
IIM Sambalpur Campus: The permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur will be inaugurated.
Heritage Building Dedication: PM Modi will dedicate the Jharsuguda Head Post Office Heritage Building to the nation.