Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday launched development projects valued at Rs 960 crore in Sambalpur, emphasizing that the state’s western belt is experiencing rapid advancement across all sectors under the “double-engine” administration.
Coming a day after Nuakhai, the biggest agricultural festival of western Odisha, Majhi inaugurated 15 completed projects built at a cost of Rs 133.47 crore and laid foundation stones for 35 upcoming initiatives estimated at Rs 825.83 crore.
The newly unveiled works span several sectors, including public health, rural development, sports infrastructure, road networks, public buildings, and water resources management.
Key water supply projects include a mega lift irrigation scheme budgeted at Rs 220.56 crore along with minor irrigation projects worth Rs 8.88 crore.
Majhi reiterated “double-engine” government’s commitment to accelerating the comprehensive growth of western Odisha.
“Our government is relentlessly working for the region’s progress. Under the guidance of PM Modi, we are committed to building a prosperous, secure and developed nation,” he said.
Addressing a gathering at the Gangadhar Meher University ground, the Chief Minister praised Sambalpur as the cultural heartland of western Odisha, noting that its local language, traditional music, and famous Sambalpuri sarees define the region’s heritage.
Majhi highlighted that developmental projects totalling roughly Rs 1,910 crore have been launched or executed in Sambalpur over the past year alone.
He pointed out major industrial investments in the pipeline, including Hindalco’s Rs 40,000 crore expansion of its Lapanga plant and JSW-JFE Steel’s Rs 32,000 crore investment in Rengali.
The Chief Minister outlined the state’s economic vision, aiming to grow Odisha into a $500 billion economy by its centenary in 2036 and a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
Highlighting benefits from central-state coordination, Majhi stated that Odisha has secured major central allocations, including Rs 90,000 crore for railways, Rs 40,000 crore for highways, Rs 25,000 crore for port developments, and Rs 25,000 crore for shipbuilding.
He called on citizens to participate in month-long community drives like ‘Seva Sankalp Abhiyan’, ‘Aashirbadar Deepa’, and ‘Ek Ped Maa Ke Naam’ organized to mark Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s birthday.
