Bhubaneswar, June 20, 2025 — In a major push to Odisha’s infrastructure and economic ambitions, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched 105 development projects worth over ₹18,600 crore during a grand public event at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar. The PM also unveiled the highly anticipated ‘Odisha Vision Document’, flagged off new railway lines and electric buses, and honored women changemakers including ‘Lakhpati Didis’.
This marks PM Modi’s sixth visit to Odisha since the BJP government took office in June 2024, reaffirming the Centre’s commitment to accelerating development in the state.
Major Infrastructure Projects & Railway Expansion
Among the 105 initiatives, projects span critical sectors such as:
-
Drinking water supply
-
Health infrastructure
-
Irrigation facilities
-
Rural connectivity (roads and bridges)
-
National highways and railway infrastructure
The Prime Minister also flagged off the first-ever passenger train to Boudh district, inaugurating the Sonepur–Purunakatak railway line, a long-awaited milestone in regional rail connectivity. Additionally, he launched:
-
Third and fourth rail lines between Sarla and Sason
-
Fourth rail line between Jharsuguda and Jamga
Green Urban Mobility
Under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system, 100 electric buses were flagged off to serve the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack region, aligning with India’s push for eco-friendly transportation.
Odisha Vision Document: A Blueprint for the Future
The Prime Minister unveiled the ‘Odisha Vision Document’, a comprehensive roadmap that aligns with two major milestones:
-
Odisha @100 (2036) – centenary of Odisha as a linguistic state
-
India @100 (2047) – centenary of Indian independence
Key economic targets include:
-
Transforming Odisha into a $500 billion economy by 2036
-
Achieving a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047
This vision was developed following extensive public consultations and aims to promote industrial growth, digital transformation, clean energy, and equitable development.
Cultural Tourism Boost: Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana
PM Modi also launched the ‘Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana’, which seeks to transform the birthplaces of iconic Odia personalities into heritage destinations. The scheme will include:
-
Museums
-
Interpretation centres
-
Statues
-
Libraries
The goal is to promote cultural tourism, instill regional pride, and preserve Odisha’s rich historical legacy.
Felicitating Lakhpati Didis: Women at the Forefront
As part of the event, PM Modi felicitated women achievers, including beneficiaries of the ‘Lakhpati Didi’ initiative — a flagship program under the Ministry of Rural Development aimed at empowering Self-Help Group (SHG) women to earn over ₹1 lakh annually through sustainable livelihoods.
The Prime Minister lauded their entrepreneurial spirit, calling them “pillars of India’s rural economic transformation.”
Tiranga Yatra & Roadshow: A Warm Public Reception
The PM also participated in a vibrant Tiranga Yatra and roadshow, marking his first public outreach in Odisha since Operation Sindoor. Enthusiastic crowds lined the route from Biju Patnaik International Airport to Janata Maidan, waving flags and chanting slogans as the PM’s cavalcade passed.
Tight Security & Seamless Coordination
Over 133 platoons of police and 500 officers were deployed to ensure smooth conduct of the event, supported by central agencies and ODRAF units. Special attention was given to monsoon preparedness, crowd control, and anti-terror measures. Drone usage was strictly prohibited as part of security protocols.
