PM Modi inaugurates, lays foundation stone of projects worth ₹47,600 crore in Odisha

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of various development projects worth over ₹47,600 crore at Rairangpur in Odisha's Mayurbhanj district, marking the completion of two years of the BJP-led state government.

The programme, themed "Vikas ra Dhara, Odisha Sara", was attended by President Droupadi Murmu, who, along with the Prime Minister, visited Pahadpur village in Mayurbhanj district and offered prayers at the sacred groves Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera.

Addressing the gathering, Modi congratulated the people of Odisha on the completion of two years of the state government and said, "The double-engine government is accelerating the state's development journey and transforming the lives of ordinary citizens through welfare schemes, investments, industrial growth, and employment opportunities."

Referring to the projects launched during the event, Modi said, "Transformative projects worth approximately ₹47,000 crore would significantly improve connectivity, public services, economic opportunities, and quality of life for the people of Odisha."

"Odisha is emerging as a gateway to growth and prosperity in eastern India and will play a pivotal role in India's journey toward becoming a developed nation," he added.

The Prime Minister said the government is working to convert Odisha's natural strengths into economic opportunities and highlighted the Utkarsh Odisha initiative aimed at attracting investments and boosting industrial development.

"Under the initiative, Odisha has already received investment proposals worth nearly ₹20 lakh crore, while several mega projects exceeding ₹3.5 lakh crore are currently under implementation," he said.

Modi also noted that more than ₹6,000 crore is being invested in the power sector, while urban development is being accelerated through the Samruddha City Scheme.

Making a major announcement during the event, Modi said Pahadpur village would be developed as a solar village. "Drawing a parallel with Odisha's iconic Sun Temple at Konark, he expressed confidence that Pahadpur would emerge as a model solar-powered village for the nation."

Highlighting the Centre's vision for eastern India, the Prime Minister said, "Development of Eastern India for the Development of India" remains a key priority and added that the "Purvodaya" policy is unlocking the immense potential of eastern states.

"Centre and State Governments are working together to fully harness these strengths through record investments in railway infrastructure, highways, economic corridors, ports, energy, semiconductors, green energy, and modern industries," he said.

On tribal welfare, the Prime Minister said tribal development remains a top priority for his government and highlighted initiatives such as the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and the PM JANMAN Mission.

"The PM JANMAN Mission emerged from discussions held with President Murmu and is specifically designed for Particularly Vulnerable Tribal Groups (PVTGs), ensuring that government services reach even the most marginalized tribal communities directly at their doorsteps," he said.

The Prime Minister also announced approval for an additional Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in Mayurbhanj district and highlighted efforts to expand education, healthcare and welfare support for tribal communities across the country.