PM Modi Lays Foundation for Rs 68,000 Crore Projects

On February 3, 2024, Prime Minister Narendra Modi marked a significant milestone by inaugurating, dedicating to the nation, and laying the foundation stone for a series of transformative projects in Sambalpur, Odisha, collectively valued at over Rs 68,000 crore.

These initiatives are strategically designed to bolster the energy sector, encompassing natural gas, coal, power generation, road infrastructure, railway connectivity, and petroleum activities within the state. Beyond the infrastructural enhancements, the projects are poised to generate substantial employment opportunities, particularly benefiting the youth of Odisha.

A key highlight of the inauguration was the unveiling of the 412-km-long Dhamra-Angul pipeline section, a crucial segment of the Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra pipeline project (JHBDPL). Executed at a cost exceeding Rs 2,450 crore under the 'Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga' initiative, this project integrates the state into the National Gas Grid.

Prime Minister Modi also laid the foundation stone for the Nagpur-Jharsuguda natural gas pipeline section (692 km) as part of the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda pipeline. Expected to be developed at a cost exceeding Rs 2,660 crore, this initiative aims to enhance natural gas accessibility for states including Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.

Additionally, the Prime Minister dedicated multiple power projects valued at approximately Rs 28,980 crore. This encompasses the NTPC Darlipali super thermal power station (2x800 MW), NSPCL Rourkela PP-II expansion project (1x250 MW), and the foundation stone laying for the NTPC Talcher thermal power project, Stage-III (2x660 MW). These projects are anticipated to contribute to the provision of affordable and abundant power to Odisha and neighboring states.

Further reinforcing the commitment to self-reliant India (Atmanirbhar Bharat), Prime Minister Modi inaugurated the Neyveli Lignite Corporation's (NLC) Talabira thermal power project, valued at over Rs 27,000 crore. This initiative aims to provide reliable, affordable, and round-the-clock power, thereby bolstering the nation's energy security.

The event also witnessed the inauguration of various coal infrastructure projects by Mahanadi Coalfields, including first-mile connectivity projects and the Lajkura rapid loading system. These endeavors, with a combined investment of around Rs 2,145 crore, are set to enhance the quality and supply of dry fuel from the state.

In the transportation sector, the Prime Minister inaugurated a 50-km-long second track of the Jharsuguda-Barpali-Sardega rail line Phase-I, developed by Mahanadi Coalfields with an investment of Rs 878 crore. Additionally, three National Highways road sector projects, costing about Rs 2,110 crore, were inaugurated, further improving connectivity in the region.

Railway projects worth approximately Rs 2,146 crore were dedicated to the nation and had their foundation stones laid by Prime Minister Modi. This includes the redevelopment of the Sambalpur Railway Station, inspired by the Sailashree Palace, and the inauguration of the Sambalpur-Talcher doubling railway line (168 km) and the Jhartarbha to Sonepur new railway line (21.7 km).

In a gesture towards improved rail connectivity, the Prime Minister flagged off the Puri-Sonepur-Puri Weekly Express. Furthermore, the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur was inaugurated, and the Jharsuguda Head Post Office heritage building was dedicated to the nation.

As the developments unfolded, these initiatives garnered significant attention, emerging as the most-read topics in the country, reflecting their importance and impact on the nation's progress. Notably, the government has also announced plans to construct 13,000 km of highways in the fiscal year 2024, further advancing the infrastructure landscape.

News by Rahul Yelligetti