PM Modi inaugurates development projects in Odisha, reiterates call for ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’
Prime Minister Narendra Modi kicked off a flurry of development projects worth Rs 60,000 crore in Odisha’s Jharsuguda on Saturday, pushing his vision for a self-reliant India, or Aatmanirbhar Bharat. The initiatives cover key areas like telecommunications, railways, higher education, healthcare, skill development, and rural housing, aiming to boost growth across the state.
Speaking to a cheering crowd that chanted “Modi-Modi,” the Prime Minister shared Navratri greetings with everyone in Odisha. He also warmly thanked locals for the thoughtful gifts, like pictures and portraits, and assured them he’d write back personally.
Modi highlighted the launch of BSNL’s homegrown 4G services, calling it a fresh start for the telecom giant. “From today, we see a new BSNL with its Swadeshi 4G rollout,” he said. The event marked the inauguration of over 92,600 4G sites by BSNL, including more than 18,900 funded through the Digital Bharat Nidhi. These will connect around 26,700 remote villages, including those in border areas and Left-Wing Extremism zones, reaching over 20 lakh new users. What’s exciting is that many of these towers run on solar power, creating India’s biggest network of green telecom infrastructure for sustainable progress.
Education got a big push too, with the expansion of IITs nationwide. Modi noted that Odisha is now seeing new foundations for projects in education and technology, helping build a skilled workforce.
On the railway front, Modi laid the foundation for a rail flyover at Sambalpur-Sarla and dedicated key upgrades like the doubling of the Koraput-Baiguda line and the Manabar-Koraput-Gorapur line. These moves will speed up freight and passenger travel in Odisha and nearby states, fueling local industries and trade.
He also flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express from Berhampur to Udhna in Surat, offering affordable, comfy rides that link economic hubs. “You all know how vital your ties are to Surat—many Odia families have roots there,” Modi said. “After West Bengal, Gujarat, especially Surat, hosts the largest Odia community. This direct train service is for them.”
Housing took center stage as Modi handed out sanction orders to 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, a scheme that provides solid homes and financial aid to poor rural families, including those with disabilities, terminal illnesses, widows, and disaster victims. “Our government empowers the poor, Dalits, backwards, and Adivasis,” he emphasized. “A pucca house eases life for today’s generation and the next. We’ve delivered homes to 4 crore poor families so far.”
In Odisha, thousands more homes are under construction, with the state government leading the charge. Modi praised the efforts to support tribal communities too.
Looking ahead, Modi called this a pivotal decade for Odisha, blessed with natural beauty but rising from past challenges. “Odisha speeds forward with a double-engine government,” he said, referencing decisions from 18 months ago now turning into reality.
Big tech news: The Centre approved two semiconductor units and a semiconductor park for Odisha. “From tiny chips to massive ships, India will be self-reliant in every sector,” Modi declared. An industrial corridor from Paradeep to Jharsuguda will drive this growth, with shipbuilding playing a key role in trade and security. He announced a Rs 70,000 crore package for shipbuilding, set to draw Rs 4.5 lakh crore in investments.
Reflecting on telecom history, Modi recalled how India lagged in 2G and 3G eras, relying on foreign tech amid online jokes. “We decided India must develop its own,” he said. “It’s a proud moment that BSNL built indigenous 4G technology.”
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