In a significant virtual address, Union Education Minister and Sambalpur MP Dharmendra Pradhan laid out an ambitious and comprehensive blueprint for the economic and social transformation of Sambalpur. The detailed plan, shared during a video message for the 'Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav–2026' on Thursday, underscores the government's commitment to overhauling the region's infrastructure, lifestyle, and global cultural footprint.
Massive Infrastructure and Development Push
Pradhan highlighted a series of major projects being executed under the collaborative "double engine" government model of the Centre and the State. He announced a substantial investment of Rs 2,450 crore dedicated to the development of Veer Surendra Sai Institute of Medical Sciences and Research (VIMSAR) in Burla. To address urban traffic congestion, a Rs 1,437 crore ring road project has been earmarked.
Further enhancing civic amenities, the minister cited a Rs 450 crore project to ensure 24x7 drinking water supply for the town with a capacity of 110 million liters per day (MLD). Key environmental and beautification works include the Rs 600 crore Ayodhya Sagar restoration and a Rs 160 crore development plan for the Mahanadi river front.
Boosting Tourism and Industrial Growth
The vision for Sambalpur extends strongly into tourism and industry. Pradhan outlined a Rs 100 crore first-phase investment for Hirakud development and around Rs 85 crore for Debrigarh. An aqua park worth Rs 100 crore is planned at Basantpur. Connectivity will see a boost with plans for an alternative national highway linking Sambalpur to Jharsuguda.
On the industrial and infrastructure front, several key projects are in the pipeline. These include a new veterinary and animal husbandry college, a bridge connecting Maa Ghanteshwari Temple to Chipilima, the Burla Ring Road, the Remed–Hirakud 4-lane road, a Software Technology Park, and a CNG plant. Plans for a modern bus stand were also confirmed.
Educational Revamp and Cultural Vision
Aligning with the National Education Policy (NEP) 2020, Pradhan emphasized significant upgrades in the education sector. Sambalpur University has been granted Rs 100 crore, while Gangadhar Meher University and the State Open University received Rs 20 crore each under the PM-USHA scheme.
He noted the operationalization of Kendriya Vidyalayas in Kuchinda and Rairakhol, the inclusion of 22 district schools under the PM Shri scheme, and 2 schools under the Godabarish Mishra Adarsh Primary School Scheme.
Pradhan described the Sambalpur Lok Mahotsav as a powerful symbol of social cohesion and an effort to project the region's literature, culture, and folk arts onto the global stage. He linked the festival and the Pallishree Mela to the 'Vocal for Local' and 'Atmanirbhar Bharat' initiatives. Concluding his message, he appealed for public cooperation in keeping Sambalpur clean and beautiful, and thanked the culture and tourism department along with the District Culture Council, Sambalpur.
