President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation stones for three significant railway lines in Odisha on Saturday. The new lines-Buramara-Chakulia, Bangriposi-Goumahisani and Badampahar-Keonjhargarh were inaugurated during a ceremony attended by state’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram and among others.
The project’s aim is to boost connectivity and development in the tribal-dominated Keonjhar and Mayurbhanj districts and also promises to provide socio-economic benefits for the region.
The Indian Railways highlighted that these railway lines are likely to create jobs and bring socio-economic progress to the region. The improved connectivity will provide essential infrastructure to make the transportation of raw materials easier from Odisha’s mineral-rich region. It will also cater to enhanced economic and industrial growth. The project is also a major step toward interconnecting tribal areas into the mainstream economy and strengthening local economies. Better access to resources and markets will also be provided.
Apart from the railway projects, President Murmu also launched three major projects virtually in Rairangpur. These include Dandbose Airport, a sub-divisional hospital, and a Tribal Research and Development Centre. These projects will all together aim to facilitate the healthcare, educational, and infrastructure needs of the local population. The Tribal Research and Development Centre will be preserving the rich cultural heritage of the tribal communities, whereas the airport project is likely to boost regional connectivity. These initiatives also underline the government’s focus on inclusive development, with special priority on empowering underserved regions and making sure that all the sections of society are growing holistically.
(With inputs from PTI)