Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to arrive in Bhubaneswar today for a significant one-day visit to Odisha, marking the first anniversary of the state’s BJP-led government and inaugurating a slew of development projects worth an estimated Rs 19,000 crore. The visit underscores the central government’s commitment to the holistic development of the state, aligning with the “Viksit Bharat – Viksit Odisha” vision.
The Prime Minister’s packed schedule includes a grand roadshow from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Janata Maidan, where a state-level function will be held to commemorate the first year of the Mohan Charan Majhi-led government. During this event, PM Shri Modi will deliver a keynote address, highlighting the achievements and future roadmap of the state.
A major focus of the visit will be the inauguration and foundation stone laying for numerous projects spanning crucial sectors. These include initiatives in:
- Drinking Water and Irrigation: Crucial for enhancing agricultural productivity and ensuring access to clean water.
- Health Infrastructure: Strengthening healthcare facilities across the state.
- Rural Roads and Bridges: Improving connectivity and accessibility in remote areas.
- National Highways: Boosting interstate and intrastate transportation networks.
- Railway Infrastructure: A historic moment for Boudh district, which will receive railway connectivity for the first time with the inauguration of the Sonepur-Purunakatak railway line. This includes flagging off new train services to Boudh and other significant rail projects worth over Rs 2,750 crore, such as the third and fourth rail lines between Sarla-Sason and the fourth rail line between Jharsuguda-Jamga.
- Clean Energy and Sustainable Transport: PM Modi will flag off 100 electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system, promoting eco-friendly urban mobility.
In a forward-looking move, the Prime Minister will release the ‘Odisha Vision Document’. This ambitious roadmap outlines the state’s development goals, anchored around the centenary of Odisha’s formation as a linguistic state in 2036 and India’s 100 years of independence in 2047. The vision aims to transform Odisha into a $500 billion economy by 2036 and a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.
Additionally, PM Modi will launch the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’, an initiative designed to transform the birthplaces of eminent Odias into living memorials, featuring museums, interpretation centers, statues, libraries, and public spaces, thereby promoting cultural tourism and preserving heritage.
As a gesture of recognition for women’s empowerment, the Prime Minister will felicitate women achievers from across the state, including the more than 16.50 lakh “Lakhpati Didis” who symbolize prosperity and self-reliance.
Stringent security measures have been put in place across Bhubaneswar for the high-profile visit. Traffic advisories have been issued, and a half-day holiday has been declared for government offices and courts within the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation jurisdiction, while schools in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack will remain closed for the day.
The Prime Minister is expected to conclude his Odisha engagements by 5:35 PM, before departing for his next destination.