President Murmu Lays Foundation for Key Rail and Development Projects

10 Dec 2024 CW Team

President Droupadi Murmu laid the foundation for six major projects worth Rs 64 billion in Odisha, including three new railway lines—Bangriposi-Gorumahisani, Buramara-Chakulia, and Badampahar-Keonjhargarh. The ceremony was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Union Tribal Affairs Minister Jual Oram. The President also virtually inaugurated three additional projects in Rairangpur: a Tribal Research and Development Centre, Dandbose Airport, and a 100-bed sub-divisional hospital. Addressing the event, she highlighted the transformative impact of these initiatives on transportation, commerce, healthcare, and education in the region. The new railway lines, spanning 228 kilometers, are poised to enhance connectivity and economic growth in Odisha: • Badampahar-Keonjhargarh Line: Covering 82 kilometers through Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts, the project is estimated at Rs 21.06 billion. • Bangriposi-Gorumahisani Line: An 86-kilometer route costing Rs 25.49 billion, aimed at improving passenger and freight movement. • Buramara-Chakulia Line: A 60-kilometer link between Mayurbhanj and Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district, developed at Rs 16.39 billion, to bolster industrial transportation. President Murmu also emphasised the Central Government's "Purvodaya" initiative for Eastern India, noting its role in accelerating development through welfare schemes in education, health, tourism, and transportation. She highlighted the expansion of Eklavya Model Residential Schools, with over 100 new schools in Odisha, including 23 in Mayurbhanj, aimed at empowering tribal children to contribute to societal and national progress. The President concluded her five-day Odisha visit, which included key events such as the Indian Navy Day celebration in Puri and the 40th convocation of OUAT in Bhubaneswar. (ET)

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