Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday launched and laid the foundation stone for development projects worth more than Rs 47,600 crore in Odisha, while announcing that President Droupadi Murmu’s native village, Pahadpur, will be developed as a model solar village.
The announcement came during a visit to Mayurbhanj district, where Modi joined President Murmu in offering prayers at sacred tribal groves and interacted with students at institutions established under her guidance.
The two leaders later attended a programme in Rairangpur marking two years of the BJP government in Odisha, according to an official statement.
Positioning Odisha as a key pillar of India’s eastern growth strategy, Modi said massive investments in infrastructure, energy, industries, and connectivity are being rolled out to accelerate the state’s development.
He said projects launched during the visit would improve public services, create economic opportunities, and strengthen connectivity across the state.
A major highlight of the visit was the decision to transform Pahadpur into a solar-powered village. Modi said every household in the village would be linked to solar power generation, making it a model for clean energy adoption.
Drawing a comparison with the Sun Temple at Konark, he expressed confidence that Pahadpur would emerge as a national example of sustainable development.
The PM further said Odisha is attracting unprecedented investment interest, with proposals worth nearly Rs 20 lakh crore received under the Utkarsh Odisha initiative. He added that mega projects valued at over Rs 3.5 lakh crore are already under implementation.
Modi said more than Rs 6,000 crore is being invested in the power sector, while urban infrastructure is being expanded through the Samruddha City Scheme. He credited cooperation between the Centre and the state government for speeding up project execution and welfare delivery.
Highlighting welfare initiatives of the Odisha government, Modi referred to higher paddy procurement prices for farmers, financial assistance for women under the Subhadra Yojana, implementation of Ayushman Bharat, and support schemes for tribal students.
The PM also underlined the Centre’s focus on tribal welfare. He said flagship programmes such as the Dharti Aaba Janjatiya Gram Utkarsh Abhiyan and the PM JANMAN Mission are helping improve access to housing, healthcare, education, and other essential services in tribal regions.
In a boost to educational infrastructure in Mayurbhanj, Modi announced approval for a new Jawahar Navodaya Vidyalaya in the district. He also noted that hundreds of Eklavya Model Residential Schools have been established across the country to expand educational opportunities for tribal students.
During the event, Modi paid tribute to prominent tribal personalities from Odisha and praised efforts to promote the Santhali language and culture. He also extended birthday greetings to President Murmu, describing her journey from Mayurbhanj to the country’s highest constitutional office as a source of pride for Odisha and the nation.
Modi added that Odisha would play a crucial role in India’s development journey as the country moves towards the centenary of Independence in 2047 and the state’s 100th foundation year in 2036.
