Prime Minister Narendra Modi to Inaugurate and Lay Foundation Stones for Infrastructure Projects in Odisha and Assam

New Delhi: Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi is set to embark on a significant visit to Odisha and Assam on 3-4 February 2024. The visit will witness the inauguration, dedication to the nation, and laying of foundation stones for various infrastructure projects aimed at bolstering the energy sector, enhancing connectivity, and fostering economic growth in the regions.

In Sambalpur, Odisha, on 3rd February, the Prime Minister is scheduled to launch several energy-centric projects aligning with his vision to fortify the nation’s energy security. Among the noteworthy inaugurations will be the ‘Dhamra – Angul Pipeline Section’ (412 Km) of the ‘Jagdishpur-Haldia & Bokaro-Dhamra Pipeline Project (JHBDPL)’ at a cost exceeding Rs. 2450 crore. This strategic project under the ‘Pradhan Mantri Urja Ganga’ initiative aims to connect Odisha to the National Gas Grid. Additionally, the foundation stone will be laid for the ‘Nagpur Jharsuguda Natural Gas Pipeline Section’ (692 Km) of the Mumbai-Nagpur-Jharsuguda Pipeline, enhancing natural gas availability to states including Odisha, Maharashtra, and Chhattisgarh.

The Prime Minister will also dedicate and lay the foundation stone for power projects totaling about Rs. 28,980 crore, contributing to the supply of low-cost power to Odisha and neighboring states. Notable projects include the NTPC Darlipali Super Thermal Power Station (2×800 MW) and NSPCL Rourkela PP-II Expansion Project (1×250 MW) in Sundargarh district, along with the foundation stone laying for NTPC Talcher Thermal Power Project, Stage-III (2×660 MW) in Angul district.

Furthermore, the Prime Minister will inaugurate coal infrastructure projects by Mahanadi Coalfields Limited, including the First Mile Connectivity (FMC) projects – Bhubaneswari Phase-I in Talcher Coalfields, Lajkura Rapid Loading System (RLS), and Ib Valley Washery. These initiatives, with a combined cost of approximately Rs. 2145 crore, aim to enhance the quality and supply of dry fuel from Odisha. Additionally, a 50 km long second track of Jharsuguda-Barpali-Sardega rail line Phase-1, built with an investment of Rs. 878 crore, will be dedicated to the nation.

Prime Minister Modi is also set to inaugurate three road sector projects of National Highways, developed at a cumulative cost of about Rs. 2110 crore. These projects, including the four-laning of Rimuli-Koida Section of NH 215, Biramitrapur-Brahmani Bypass end section of NH 23, and Brahmani Bypass End-Rajamunda Section of NH 23, are expected to enhance connectivity and contribute to the economic development of the region.

Additionally, the Prime Minister will dedicate and lay the foundation stone for railway projects worth about Rs. 2146 crore. The projects include the redevelopment of Sambalpur Railway Station, Sambalpur- Talcher Doubling Railway Line (168 Kms), Jhartarbha to Sonepur New Railway line (21.7 Kms), and the flagging off of Puri-Sonepur-Puri Weekly Express.

The day in Sambalpur will also witness the inauguration of the permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur and the dedication of the Jharsuguda Head Post Office Heritage Building to the nation.

On 4th February, in Guwahati, Prime Minister Modi will continue his focus on development by inaugurating and laying the foundation stone for projects totaling Rs. 11,000 crore. Among these projects, the Maa Kamakhya Divya Pariyojana (Maa Kamakhya Access Corridor) under the PM-DevINE scheme stands out, aiming to provide world-class amenities to pilgrims visiting the Kamakhya temple.

The Prime Minister will also lay the foundation stone for multiple road upgradation projects worth over Rs. 3400 crore, enhancing connectivity through the South Asia Subregional Economic Cooperation (SASEC) Corridor Connectivity. This includes the upgrading of 43 roads and 38 bridges, with two 4-laning projects from Dolabari to Jamuguri and Biswanath Chariali to Gohpur, contributing to improved connectivity to Itanagar and overall economic development in the region.

In a bid to boost sports infrastructure, the Prime Minister will lay the foundation stone for an international standards sports stadium in Chandrapur and the upgradation of Nehru stadium as a FIFA standard football stadium. Additionally, the foundation stone for the development of infrastructure for the Gauhati Medical College and Hospital, along with a medical college in Karimganj, will also be laid during this visit.