Jharsuguda: Landmark infrastructure and digital push
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Jharsuguda, Odisha, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation for multiple development projects valued at over ₹60,000 crore. These projects span sectors including telecom, railways, higher education, healthcare, and rural housing.
A key highlight was the commissioning of more than 97,500 4G towers using indigenously developed technology, targeting connectivity in over 26,700 previously unserved villages. Many of these towers are solar-powered, making them a large cluster of “green telecom sites.”
Rail & connectivity projects
PM Modi also flagged off railway and infrastructure works to enhance regional connectivity. Initiatives include:
- A flyover in Sambalpur
- Doubling of the Koraput–Baiguda rail line
- New rail lines such as Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur
- The launch of an Amrit Bharat Express train service between Berhampur (Odisha) and Udhna (Gujarat)
Higher education & digital inclusion
He laid foundation stones for the expansion of eight Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), which collectively aim to add nearly 10,000 seats over the coming years.
In the telecom sector, the push for self-reliance was emphasised through the rollout of indigenous 4G infrastructure under the Digital Bharat Nidhi scheme. This is seen as part of a broader vision of bridging India’s digital divide.
Significance of the projects
The initiatives are expected to strengthen regional connectivity, improve access to education and healthcare, and boost digital inclusion. The projects also reflect the government’s emphasis on Atmanirbhar Bharat by promoting indigenous technology solutions in critical sectors.
Conclusion
With projects worth over ₹60,000 crore, Odisha is set to witness a major boost in infrastructure, telecom, and education. The Prime Minister’s announcements underline the government’s strategy to integrate technological progress with regional development and long-term sustainability.