Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated several development projects in Odisha’s Jharsuguda district. The projects, worth more than Rs 60,000 crore, cover a wide range of sectors including telecom, railways, healthcare, education, skill development and rural housing. PM Modi also inaugurated Amrit Bharat Express between Berhampur and Surat. Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati were also present at the event.
He also inaugurated more than 97,500 4G mobile towers built at a cost of around Rs 37,000 crore using indigenous technology. Of these, over 92,600 sites were set up by BSNL. The new network will bring 4G services to 26,700 unconnected villages in remote, border, and left-wing extremism-affected areas. These towers are powered by solar energy, making them the largest cluster of green telecom sites in India.
Major railway projects
PM Modi also laid the foundation stone and dedicated to the nation several important railway projects. These include the Sambalpur–Sarla rail flyover, doubling of the Koraput–Baiguda line and the Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur line.
These developments are aimed to make freight and passenger movement smoother, boosting trade and industries in Odisha and nearby states. The Prime Minister also flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express between Berhampur and Surat, which will provide affordable travel, support tourism, and create new job opportunities.
Healthcare upgrade in Odisha
During his visit, the PM laid the foundation stone for turning MKCG Medical College in Berhampur and VIMSAR in Sambalpur into world-class super-speciality hospitals.
The upgraded facilities will include advanced trauma care, dental colleges, maternal and child healthcare units and more beds for patients, ensuring better medical services for the people of Odisha.
PM Modi further announced the expansion of eight IITs across the country, creating space for 10,000 more students over the next four years. He also launched several initiatives of the Odisha government to strengthen technical education and skill training for the youth.
CM Majhi praises PM for Subhadra Yojana
Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi appreciated the Prime Minister for bringing multiple schemes to the state. He highlighted the Subhadra Yojana, which has given financial support to over one crore women.
“After the massacre in Pahalgam, India’s response to terrorists in Pakistan has altered India’s strategic doctrine. Ever since we have formed the government, you have come to Odisha seven times. Last year, you were here on your birthday and launched the Subhadra Yojana for our mothers and sisters. Today, more than 1 crore women receive Rs 10,000 annually,” CM Majhi said.
Housing support for vulnerable families
PM Modi distributed sanction orders to 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana. This scheme provides pucca houses and financial aid to vulnerable rural families, including widows, persons with disabilities, terminally ill patients, and victims of natural disasters.
Chief Ministers of eight states, including Devendra Fadnavis of Maharashtra, Himanta Biswa Sarma of Assam, and Yogi Adityanath of Uttar Pradesh, joined the event virtually. Several Union Cabinet ministers also participated online.