Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday unveiled a major development package for Sambalpur district, inaugurating and laying foundation stones for 25 projects worth approximately ₹948 crore, aimed at strengthening infrastructure, public services and tourism in the region.
Of the total projects, 14 works valued at over ₹57 crore were inaugurated, while foundation stones were laid for 11 projects costing more than ₹890 crore. The initiatives span multiple sectors, including roads and bridges, healthcare, tourism, warehouses, Atal bus stands, girls’ hostels, drinking water supply and other essential civic amenities.
Addressing a public gathering, the Chief Minister said the government is firmly committed to accelerating development in Sambalpur, stressing that the district’s progress is integral to Odisha’s vision of balanced growth and people-centric governance. He said the new projects would open a fresh chapter in Sambalpur’s development journey and generate sustained economic momentum.
Describing Sambalpur as one of Odisha’s most beautiful cities, Majhi expressed confidence that the ongoing initiatives would further enhance its livability and urban appeal once completed.
Highlighting the government’s thrust on tourism, the Chief Minister said development works around the Maa Samaleswari Temple, one of Odisha’s prominent Shakti Peeths, are being implemented in two phases with a total investment of ₹316 crore.
The first phase includes construction of a temple corridor, development of Gopaljieu Matha, a lighthouse, parking facilities and riverfront beautification. The second phase will focus on devotee accommodation, a lake zone, shop buildings, a food park, parking areas and improved entrance pathways.
To further strengthen tourism infrastructure, Majhi said a ₹160-crore Mahanadi Riverfront Development Project is underway, covering the stretch from Mandalia to Chaunrapur. The project will feature parks, open gyms, selfie points, bathing and Aarti ghats, shopping complexes, toilets and parking facilities, transforming the riverbank into a major recreational and tourist destination.
Speaking on industrialisation, the Chief Minister said earlier development had been confined to a few regions, leaving many districts without major industries. Since the formation of the present government, efforts have intensified to promote industrial growth in all 30 districts of Odisha.
He said proposed investments of around ₹1.8 lakh crore in the coming period would help industrialise every district, adding that Odisha’s overall development pace has significantly accelerated over the last one and a half years.
Reiterating his government’s commitment to people-centric governance, Majhi said public grievance hearings and swift redressal mechanisms are being strengthened. Governance, he said, is not confined to offices in Bhubaneswar, and policies and rules will be reviewed and corrected wherever necessary to better serve the people.
He added that the government is striving for excellence in education, health, industry and infrastructure, with special focus on ensuring basic facilities reach the last mile of society.
Revenue and Disaster Management Minister Suresh Pujari said the state government is making all possible efforts to put Sambalpur firmly on the path of progress, with visible results on the ground. Panchayati Raj, Drinking Water and Rural Development Minister Rabi Narayan Naik said the double-engine government is delivering “double development” by ensuring growth reaches every district and village.
The programme was attended by Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, former MLA Nauri Naik, Revenue Divisional Commissioner Ramachandra Yadav, IG Himanshu Lal and SP Mukesh Kumar Bhamo. District Collector Siddheshwar Baliran Bondar delivered the welcome address, while Sambalpur Municipal Corporation Commissioner Rehan Khatri proposed the vote of thanks.
It was announced that the Chief Minister will on Sunday inaugurate the Trauma Care Unit, OPD Building and CSSD Building at the District Headquarters Hospital and lay the foundation stone for a 24-hour drinking water supply system for Sambalpur city.
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