Bhubaneswar: Shri Tarun Kapoor, Advisor to the Prime Minister, concluded a comprehensive and intensive three-day visit to Odisha, focusing on a rapid and streamlined approach to infrastructure development across the state.
His recent involved a series of high-level meetings, field inspections, and direct engagement with project stakeholders and local communities.
The primary objective of the visit was to assess the ground realities and accelerate the pace of crucial infrastructure projects, particularly those under the “Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI)” scheme.
Shri Kapoor’s itinerary included extensive travel to key locations, underscoring the central government’s commitment to the fast-tracked development of Odisha. With a focus on Western Odisha and Urban Development, a significant portion of the Advisor’s tour was dedicated to the Sambalpur district, a hub of industrial and developmental activity in western Odisha.
During his visit to Sambalpur, Shri Kapoor conducted detailed reviews of several projects. Secretary Sports and RDC Sambalpur, Shri Sachin Ramachandra Jadhav briefed Shri Kapoor in details. IGP, Northern Range, Shri Himnshu Kumar Lal was all along present during his entire visit.
Shri Jadhav’s briefing has impressed him a lot and he was very happy with the positive mind set of the mandarin, pointed out sources.
He inspected the ongoing works under the SASCI scheme aimed at transforming the Hirakud Dam area into a major tourism hub. Emphasizing the need for a clear timeline and swift execution, he urged officials to ensure the early commencement of work on projects for which tender processes have been completed.
The Advisor to PM reviewed key urban infrastructure projects within the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation, including the Sambalpur Ring Road and the redevelopment of the Sambalpur railway station. He stressed the importance of timely execution to enhance connectivity and preserve the city’s cultural identity.
Shri Kapoor also assessed the operations of major industrial and mining entities like Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL) and Neyveli Lignite Corporation (NLC), focusing on their role in regional development, job creation, and sustainable practices.
In addition to his focus on Sambalpur, Shri Kapoor’s visit also included other important locations and sectors:
The advisor visited the Paradip Port and the Indian Oil Corporation Limited (IOCL) refinery, reviewing security measures and progress on developmental works.
In the state capital, Shri Kapoor conducted a “spot assessment” of slum settlements, engaging with residents to evaluate the on-the-ground impact of government schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY) and PM SVANidhi. He commended the proactive involvement of the community in co-creating habitat designs, highlighting the spirit of inclusive urban development.
He consistently emphasized the need for coordinated action among all stakeholders—government agencies, industry, and local communities—to ensure rapid, sustainable, and inclusive growth for Odisha.
The extensive nature of the visit and the direct engagement with a wide range of projects and people signal a strong push from the Centre to accelerate the implementation of key developmental initiatives in the state.
Throughout his extensive tour, Shri Kapoor repeatedly “harped on” the urgency of fast-tracking key projects to unlock the state’s economic potential and improve the lives of its citizens.
His visit was not merely a ceremonial tour but a series of on-site inspections and high-level review meetings designed to cut through bureaucratic delays and ensure projects are completed with a clear timeline.