Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday launched a series of development initiatives totaling Rs 1,330 crore in his home district of Keonjhar, which included the launch of 25 sophisticated electric buses and the opening of an ‘Ama Bus’ depot constructed for Rs 17 crore.
The Chief Minister inaugurated 24 projects worth Rs 251 crore and performed the groundbreaking for 62 new ventures valued at Rs 705 crore. Additionally, he announced a Rs 375 crore investment package for 101 upcoming projects intended to fast-track the progress of Keonjhar.
During the launch event, Majhi highlighted that the most significant advantage of the new e-bus service is its economical pricing, with fares beginning at a mere Rs 5.
Modern e-bus services, with active participation of women, will greatly benefit students and workers while reducing carbon emissions by 330–390 tonnes annually. These initiatives will strengthen infrastructure and accelerate Keonjhar’s transformation into a prosperous district,… pic.twitter.com/7TXZRiDLbJ
— CMO Odisha (@CMO_Odisha) April 29, 2026
“It will be of great help to the lower and middle-class people who travel daily. All the buses are fully AC, and passenger safety has been given top priority. Each bus has CCTV cameras, panic buttons and GPS systems, so that passengers, especially women, can travel safely,” he said.
Majhi further stated that the initiative is serving as a driver for women’s empowerment. “Out of the 150 people employed through this project, 30 are serving as women guides and two as women drivers,” he pointed out.
In his speech, the Chief Minister acknowledged that while Keonjhar has been a major contributor to the state’s resources, the district had faced neglect in recent years.
He announced that the establishment of a mega steel plant in the district is nearing its final stages, with the foundation stone ceremony expected to take place shortly.
He described the upcoming ten years as the “Decade of Resolve” for Odisha, emphasising that Keonjhar is set to be a cornerstone in the mission to create a prosperous state by 2036.
