In a significant move towards bolstering India’s energy security and fostering economic growth, Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set to embark on a two-day visit to Odisha and Assam on February 3-4, 2024. The visit is marked by the inauguration, dedication to the nation, and laying of foundation stones for a multitude of infrastructure projects, collectively valued at over Rs. 79,000 crore.
Day 1: Odisha Welcomes PM Modi’s Vision
The visit kicks off in Sambalpur, Odisha, where the Prime Minister will inaugurate and dedicate a series of projects geared towards enhancing the nation’s energy landscape. At the heart of this initiative is the inauguration of the ‘Dhamra – Angul Pipeline Section’ (412 Km) of the ‘Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline Project,’ a strategic move under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga’ scheme. This project, with a cost exceeding Rs. 2450 crore, will link Odisha to the National Gas Grid.
Further strengthening the energy sector, PM Modi will lay the foundation stone for the ‘Nagpur Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline Section’ (692 Km) of the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda Pipeline, a venture expected to cost more than Rs. 2660 crore. These projects will significantly improve natural gas availability in states like Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.
In the same event, the Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone for multiple power projects worth approximately Rs. 28,980 crore. Key projects include the NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station (2×800 MW) and NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project (1×250 MW) in the Sundargarh district. Additionally, the foundation stone will be laid for the NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III (2×660 MW) in the Angul district.
Further contributing to the nation’s energy security, PM Modi will inaugurate coal infrastructure projects of Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, including the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects and the Ib Valley Washery, marking advancements in coal processing and supply.
The infrastructure spree continues with the inauguration of three road sector projects of National Highways, developed at a cumulative cost of about Rs. 2110 crore. These projects will enhance connectivity and contribute to the economic development of the region.
Railway development is also a focal point, with the Prime Minister laying the foundation stone for the redevelopment of Sambalpur Railway Station, doubling the Sambalpur-Talcher Railway Line, and introducing the Jhartarbha to Sonepur New Railway Line. The day will conclude with the inauguration of the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur and the dedication of the Jharsuguda Head Post Office Heritage Building to the nation.
Day 2: Assam Set for Transformation
On February 4, the Prime Minister will head to Guwahati, Assam, where projects worth Rs. 11,000 crore will be inaugurated and their foundation stones laid.
The Maa Kamakhya Divya Pariyojana, sanctioned under the Prime Minister’s Development Initiative for North Eastern Region (PM-DevINE) scheme, will see its foundation stone laid. This project aims to provide world-class amenities to pilgrims visiting the Kamakhya temple, aligning with the PM’s vision of enhancing facilities at pilgrimage sites.
A significant focus on infrastructure development continues with the foundation stone laid for multiple road upgrade projects worth over Rs. 3400 crore. The South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Corridor Connectivity will witness the upgrading of 43 roads, including 38 bridges, improving connectivity and boosting economic development in the region.
In a move to tap into the sports potential of the region, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for projects aimed at boosting sports infrastructure. This includes an international standards sports stadium in Chandrapur and the upgradation of Nehru stadium to FIFA standards.
Healthcare infrastructure is not left behind, with the foundation stone being laid for the development of infrastructure at the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, and the establishment of a medical college at Karimganj.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s visit to Odisha and Assam stands as a testament to the government’s commitment to fostering holistic development, ensuring energy security, and boosting the overall infrastructure of the nation. The unveiled projects are poised to not only transform the regions but also contribute significantly to India’s journey towards becoming a self-reliant and economically robust nation.
