TFP Bureau, New Delhi, February 4, 2024: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi marked a historic milestone by inaugurating, dedicating to the nation, and laying the foundation stone for projects surpassing Rs 68,000 crore in Sambalpur, Odisha. The ambitious ventures span the energy, transport, and education sectors, reinforcing the government’s commitment to comprehensive development.
Powering Up Odisha: Energy Sector Milestones
In a significant boost to the energy sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated the ‘Dhamra – Angul Pipeline Section’ (412 Km) of the ‘Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline Project (JHBDPL)’ at a cost exceeding Rs 2450 crore. This project, under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga,’ connects Odisha to the National Gas Grid. The foundation stone was also laid for the ‘Nagpur Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline Section’ (692 Km) of Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda Pipeline, projected to cost over Rs 2660 crore, enhancing natural gas availability to Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
Empowering Odisha: Power Projects Galore
Prime Minister Modi dedicated and laid the foundation stone for power projects totaling about Rs 28,980 crore. Notable mentions include the NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station (2×800 MW) and NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project (1×250 MW). The foundation stone for the NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III (2×660 MW), was also laid, promising to supply low-cost power to Odisha and neighboring states. The Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC) Talabira Thermal power project, valued at over Rs 27,000 crore, was inaugurated, contributing significantly to the nation’s energy security.
Driving Connectivity: National Highways and Railways
In a bid to enhance connectivity, the Prime Minister inaugurated three National Highways projects, with a cumulative cost of about Rs 2110 crore. These projects, including the four-laning of key sections, aim to bolster transportation infrastructure and regional economic development.
Railway projects, totaling about Rs 2146 crore, saw the foundation stone laid for the redevelopment of Sambalpur Railway Station, reflecting architectural inspiration from the Sailashree Palace. The Sambalpur-Talcher Doubling Railway Line (168 Kms) and Jhartarbha to Sonepur New Railway line (21.7 Kms) were dedicated, along with the flag-off of Puri-Sonepur-Puri Weekly Express, enhancing rail connectivity in the region.
Educational Hub: IIM Sambalpur’s Permanent Campus Inaugurated
The Prime Minister inaugurated the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur, contributing to the state’s education landscape. This modern institute of management adds another layer to Odisha’s role in nurturing talent and fostering education.
Central Government’s Ongoing Commitment to Odisha’s Development
Prime Minister Modi reaffirmed the Central Government’s continuous efforts for Odisha’s development, citing the substantial increase in income post the change in mining policy. Investments in the petroleum and petrochemicals sector, railway budget, rural roads under PM Gram Sadak Yojna, and National Highways construction showcased the commitment to Odisha’s prosperity.
In conclusion, Prime Minister Modi assured the people of Odisha that the Central Government would persist in working for the state’s development with unwavering dedication. The grand event witnessed the presence of Governor of Odisha, Shri Raghubar Das, Chief Minister Shri Naveen Patnaik, Union Minister of Education, and Skill Development and Entrepreneurship, Shri Dharmendra Pradhan, and Union Minister for Railways, Shri Ashwini Vaishnaw, among others.
