Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived at Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Jharsuguda, to a rousing welcome by party leaders, officials, and the public.
He proceeded to the Amalipali Ground in a special carcade, greeted by hundreds waving the national flag and displaying posters. Cultural troupes performed traditional music and dance, highlighting the heritage of Western Odisha.
Addressing the gathering, PM Modi announced the launch of BSNL’s Swadeshi 4G services, inaugurating over 92,600 4G sites nationwide.
Over 18,900 sites funded under the Digital Bharat Nidhi will connect approximately 26,700 unconnected villages in remote, border, and Left-Wing Extremism-affected regions, benefiting more than 20 lakh subscribers.
Solar-powered towers form India’s largest green telecom cluster, promoting sustainable infrastructure.
The Prime Minister also laid the foundation stone for major railway projects, including the Rail Flyover at Sambalpur–Sarla, the doubling of the Koraput–Baiguda line, and the Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur line, significantly improving passenger and freight connectivity in Odisha and neighbouring states.
He flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express between Berhampur and Udhna (Surat), providing direct, affordable, and convenient connectivity for the large Odia diaspora in Gujarat.
Focus on Inclusive Development and Housing
PM Modi distributed sanction orders to 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, aimed at providing pucca homes and financial assistance to poor rural families, including persons with disabilities, widows, and victims of natural calamities.
He also highlighted that 4,000 crore poor families have already benefitted from government housing initiatives and praised Odisha’s state government for its progress.
The Prime Minister announced the approval of two semiconductor units and the construction of a semiconductor park in Odisha, marking a significant step towards self-reliance in electronics manufacturing.
He emphasised that India is now capable of producing everything from the smallest chips to large ships, furthering the vision of ‘Aatmanirbhar Bharat’.
Furthermore, PM Modi underlined the importance of shipbuilding for trade and national security, noting a Rs 70,000 crore package expected to attract Rs 4.5 lakh crore in investments.
Reflecting on India’s telecom journey, he praised BSNL for developing indigenous 4G technology, ending reliance on foreign nations and positioning India as a global technology leader.
These projects aim to accelerate Odisha’s economic growth, strengthen regional connectivity, and promote industrialisation and skill development, reinforcing the government’s vision of a self-reliant, prosperous India.
Also Read: India Literature Festival 2025: CMD Upendrra Rai Highlights Leadership & Future Readiness
To read more such news, download Bharat Express news apps
