Sambalpur, Odisha: Today, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated and dedicated to the nation, as well as laid the foundation stone for projects exceeding Rs 68,000 crore in Sambalpur, Odisha. These initiatives aim to bolster the energy sector, encompassing natural gas, coal, and power generation, along with significant projects in the road, railway, and higher education sectors. During the event, Prime Minister Modi toured the IIM Sambalpur model and attended a photo exhibition.
In his address to the gathering, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of the day for Odisha’s development, with projects totaling approximately Rs 70,000 crores launched in education, railway, roads, electricity, and petroleum sectors. Emphasizing the inclusive impact, he stressed that these developments would benefit various sections of society, including the poor, laborers, working class, business owners, and farmers, while also creating numerous job opportunities for the youth.
PM Modi expressed joy in announcing the conferment of the Bharat Ratna upon ex-Deputy Prime Minister Shri Lal Krishna Advani, acknowledging his exceptional contributions to India. He praised Advani’s extensive service as Deputy Prime Minister, Home Minister, Information and Broadcasting Minister, and as a dedicated Member of Parliament. The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for Advani’s guidance and blessings, extending best wishes for his well-being.
Highlighting efforts to make Odisha an education and skill development hub, PM Modi noted the establishment of modern educational institutes like IISER Berhampur and Bhubaneshwar’s Institute of Chemical Technology. With the addition of IIM Sambalpur, he emphasized the state’s growing role in this regard. The Prime Minister also recalled laying the foundation stone of IIM during the pandemic and commended those involved in its completion despite challenges.
PM Modi reiterated the goal of a developed India and emphasized support for Odisha’s progress in various sectors. He discussed the central government’s contributions over the last decade, including substantial investments in Odisha’s petroleum and petrochemicals sector, significant advancements in railways, extensive rural road construction, and the inauguration of three National Highways projects.
Addressing the potential in mining, power, and steel industries in the region, the Prime Minister highlighted the significance of new connectivity in creating opportunities for industries and generating employment. He mentioned infrastructure developments such as the doubling of the Sambalpur-Talcher rail section and the inauguration of the new rail line from Jhar-Tarbha to Sonpur section.
PM Modi also discussed the inauguration of supercritical and ultra-supercritical thermal plants, ensuring affordable electricity for every family in Odisha. He praised the positive impact of the central government’s policies, citing a tenfold increase in Odisha’s income after changes in the mining policy. The Prime Minister assured the people of Odisha that the Central Government would continue dedicated efforts for the state’s development.
The event was attended by dignitaries including Governor of Odisha Shri Raghubar Das, Chief Minister of Odisha Shri Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister of Education, and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Minister for Railways Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw.
In alignment with the Prime Minister’s vision for energy security, the event included the inauguration and foundation stone laying of multiple projects to boost the energy sector in Sambalpur, Odisha. Key projects included pipeline sections, power plants, coal infrastructure, National Highways, and railway projects.
Notable initiatives inaugurated by the Prime Minister included the ‘Dhamra – Angul Pipeline Section’ and the ‘Nagpur Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline Section’, contributing to the National Gas Grid. Additionally, various power projects, such as NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station and NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project, were dedicated to the nation. The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for future projects, including NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project and Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) Talabira Thermal power project.
The event witnessed the inauguration of coal infrastructure projects by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, enhancing the quality and supply of dry fuel from Odisha. Three National Highways projects were inaugurated to improve connectivity and contribute to the economic development of the region. Railway projects, including the redevelopment of Sambalpur Railway Station and the expansion of rail lines, were also inaugurated.
The Prime Minister dedicated the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur and the Jharsuguda Head Post Office Heritage Building to the nation, further enhancing educational and heritage infrastructure in the region.
Key Highlights:
- Inaugurated the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur.
- Dedicated and laid the foundation for power projects amounting to Rs 28,980 Crores.
- Inaugurated three National Highways projects, totaling Rs 2110 Crores.
- Dedicated and laid the foundation for railway projects costing Rs 2146 Crores.
- Initiated the redevelopment of Sambalpur Railway Station.
- Flagged off the Puri-Sonepur-Puri Weekly Express.
- Announced Bharat Ratna for former Deputy PM Lal Krishna Advani.
- Central Government’s continuous efforts for education and skill development in Odisha.
- Goal: Develop all states for a prosperous India.
- Odisha’s substantial progress in the last decade under Central Government’s policies.
