Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday inaugurated and laid foundation stones for 25 development projects worth around Rs 9.48 billion, calling it a new chapter in Sambalpur’s development journey. During his two-day visit to the district, Majhi flagged off 25 new electric buses and announced plans to induct another 25 e-buses by the end of the month, taking the city’s total fleet to 50. He also inaugurated a modern bus terminal of the Capital Region Urban Transport at Ainthapali to ensure smoother public transport operations. The state government has earmarked Rs 2.38 billion for the maintenance of the buses and terminal in the district over the next 10 years. Majhi said the electric buses are expected to help reduce air pollution and promote sustainable urban mobility in Sambalpur, while also supporting digital payments and fare concessions for commuters using digital modes. Later in the day, the chief minister inaugurated and laid foundation stones for multiple projects at the PM SHRI high school field. Of the total, 14 projects were inaugurated at a cost of over Rs 0.57 billion, while foundation stones were laid for 11 projects involving an investment of more than Rs 8.9 billion. These include roads, bridges, health infrastructure, the Atal Bus Stand, tourism development works and drinking water facilities. Addressing the gathering, Majhi said Sambalpur’s development was central to the government’s vision of balanced growth and good governance. Highlighting tourism and heritage initiatives, he said the Rs 3.16 billion redevelopment of the Samaleswari Temple area, along with riverfront development, is being implemented in two phases. The first phase focuses on upgrading the temple premises and riverfront, while the second phase will strengthen facilities for pilgrims and tourists through improved corridors, accommodation, commercial spaces and access roads. Majhi added that work worth Rs 1.6 billion is under way under the Mahanadi riverfront development plan along the stretch from Mandalia to Chaunrpur, aimed at creating new public spaces, boosting tourism and preserving the river’s cultural significance. Several senior officials and local representatives were present during the events. The chief minister is scheduled to inaugurate newly constructed trauma care, OPD and CSSD buildings at the district headquarters hospital on Sunday, and lay the foundation stone for a 24x7 drinking water supply project for Sambalpur.