CM Mohan Charan Majhi Kicks Off Major Infrastructure Push in Keonjhar District
On the third day of his visit to Keonjhar district, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for the ambitious 18.326 km Barbil bypass ring road in Barbil on Monday. This critical infrastructure project is estimated to cost Rs 1581.21 crore and aims to alleviate long-standing traffic congestion caused by heavy vehicle movement in the region.
Multi-Crore Projects Unveiled to Boost Regional Development
In a significant boost to Keonjhar's development, the Chief Minister inaugurated 24 projects with a total value of Rs 29.41 crore and laid foundation stones for an additional 51 projects worth Rs 326.43 crore. He emphasized that these initiatives are part of fulfilling promises made to the people, with the bypass road expected to not only handle heavy traffic but also stimulate economic activity in Keonjhar and Barbil.
Key infrastructure projects announced include:
- A 10-km road from Bamebari to Palasa, Guruda, and Koida, costing Rs 95 crore.
- A 7.5-km road from Suakati to Dubuna and Kalimati, with an investment of Rs 30 crore.
- Upgradation of a 5.5 km section from Palaspanga to Bamebari (KIDCO) at Rs 30 crore.
- Development of sports infrastructure at Barbil Utsav Ground and bus stand upgrades costing Rs 9.27 crore.
Power and Industrial Initiatives to Fuel Growth
CM Majhi announced plans for power substations in Joda, Basudevpur, and Barbil areas, with a budget of Rs 298 crore, and instructed the district administration to expedite the construction of an 8-lane Barbil–Paradip road. He also revealed that a grid substation for Keonjhar, approved by the cabinet at a cost of Rs 1647 crore, is targeted for completion within three years to ensure uninterrupted electricity supply for residential and industrial zones.
"The foundation stone for a mega steel plant in Keonjhar will be laid soon," Majhi stated, adding that industries investing over Rs 10,000 crore and employing more than 10,000 youths will receive full administrative support. ITI Barbil is set to become a centre of excellence under these efforts.
Broader Vision for Odisha's Prosperity by 2036
Highlighting the state's growth trajectory, the Chief Minister noted that under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's leadership, the government is committed to building a prosperous Odisha by 2036. He pointed to the current Union Budget's benefits for Odisha, including rare earth and east-west corridors, industrial connectivity via National Waterway-5, and economic regions like Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip with a Rs 5000 crore allocation.
Railway budget allocations for Odisha have increased 12 to 13 times, marking what Majhi called "a golden time for Odisha under the double-engine government." Major road projects announced include a 287-km expressway from Berhampur to Jeypore (Rs 9,000 crore), the Namo Expressway linking Paralakhemundi to Ambabhona, and the Atal Expressway connecting Motu to Tiring over 969 km, passing through Keonjhar.
Focus on Women's Empowerment and Assembly Expansion
During the event, CM Majhi referenced Prime Minister Modi's address on the Nari Shakti Vandan Act, announcing that a bill for 33% reservation for women will be introduced in Parliament to enhance their economic and social empowerment. He also mentioned plans to increase state assembly seats to 196, which will boost women's representation and strengthen their voice.
The event was attended by notable figures including Champua MLA Sanatan Mahakud, Patna MLA Akhil Chandra Naik, Planning Board chairman Dr Fakir Mohan Naik, special development council chairperson Mamita Naik, and district collector Vishal Singh.
