On Tuesday, March 5, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone of multiple development projects worth ₹19,600 crore at Chandikhole in Odisha’s Jajpur district. The projects encompass various sectors such as oil and gas, railways, road transport, highways, and atomic energy, signifying a concerted effort towards bolstering infrastructure and promoting economic growth in the region.
During the inauguration ceremony, PM Modi underscored the government’s commitment to expeditiously completing projects, contrasting it with the sluggish pace observed during previous administrations. He emphasized that projects that had languished for years under previous governments were now being swiftly executed, showcasing a paradigm shift in the country’s work culture over the past decade.
“The earlier governments were not interested in completing the projects on time. Whereas our government tries to rapidly complete the projects. After 2014, those projects that were stuck, and lost in the country were completed,” PM Modi stated, highlighting the administration’s proactive approach towards project implementation.
Addressing a massive gathering, PM Modi noted the overwhelming support from the people, interpreting it as a harbinger of the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) resolve to secure a resounding victory in the upcoming Lok Sabha elections. He expressed confidence in the electorate’s aspiration for transformative change, encapsulating it in the slogan “Abki Baar 400 Paar,” symbolizing the party’s ambition to surpass the 400-seat mark.
Among the key projects inaugurated during the event was the Indian Oil Corporation’s Mono Ethylene Glycol project in Paradip Refinery, aimed at reducing the country’s import dependency. Additionally, the inauguration of the CONCOR container depot in Kalinga Nagar is poised to bolster both domestic and international trade, fostering economic growth and employment generation.
Furthermore, PM Modi dedicated several highway projects to the nation, including the four-laning of the Singhara-Binjabahal section of NH-49, Binjabahal-Tileibani section of NH-49, Balasore-Jharpokharia section of NH-18, and Tangi-Bhubaneswar section of NH-16. These initiatives are expected to enhance connectivity, facilitate smoother transportation of goods and passengers, and spur regional development.
Highlighting the significance of rail infrastructure, PM Modi inaugurated the 162-km Bansapani-Daitari-Tomka-Jakhapura railway line, which is poised to augment the transportation capacity and facilitate the efficient movement of iron and manganese ore from Keonjhar district to nearby ports and steel plants. This strategic railway line is anticipated to catalyze economic growth and industrial development in the region.
Additionally, the foundation stone was laid for various projects in Jajpur aimed at enhancing rail infrastructure and maintenance facilities, including the eight-laning of the Chandikhole-Paradip section, Electric Loco Periodical Overhauling Workshop at Narla, Wagon Periodical Overhauling Workshop at Kantabanji, and the upgradation and augmentation of maintenance facilities at Baghuapal. These initiatives underscore the government’s commitment to modernizing rail infrastructure and ensuring operational efficiency.
Earlier in the day, PM Modi paid homage to former Odisha chief minister Biju Patnaik on his birth anniversary, lauding his visionary leadership and unwavering commitment to development. The prime minister expressed his gratitude for Biju Patnaik’s enduring legacy, which continues to inspire generations and drive progress in the state.
PM Modi’s visit to Chandikhole in Odisha’s Jajpur district symbolizes the government’s steadfast commitment to advancing infrastructure development and fostering economic growth across the country. The inauguration of these transformative projects underscores the administration’s proactive approach towards addressing key challenges and realizing the vision of a New India characterized by prosperity, innovation, and inclusive development.