PM Modi announces ₹47,000 crore development projects in Odisha, visits President Murmu's native region
Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled development projects worth ₹47,000 crore for Odisha during a visit to Rairangpur on Saturday, June 20, 2026. The announcement coincided with the 68th birthday of President Droupadi Murmu, who hails from the nearby village of Uparbeda.
Mr. Modi began his visit by observing tribal traditions at Pahadpur, the President's in-laws' village. Accompanied by Ms. Murmu, he toured the village, interacted with residents, and paid respects at the Jahera, a sacred Santhal place of worship.
Addressing a public meeting in Rairangpur, the Prime Minister extended birthday greetings to the President, describing her as 'Odisha's daughter' and praising her dedication to service. He then outlined the development agenda, stating that the projects span power, roads, railways, health, and education sectors.
Key announcements included the foundation stone for a ₹25,016 crore coal gasification unit in Jharsuguda district and rail infrastructure worth ₹700 crore under the East Coast Railway. Mr. Modi also noted that investment proposals of about ₹20 lakh crore have been received, with work underway on mega projects exceeding ₹3.5 lakh crore.
The Prime Minister declared that Pahadpur village will be developed as a 'Suryagram' (solar village), where every household will generate solar power. He said the initiative would provide free electricity to residents and allow them to earn income from surplus power.
Mr. Modi emphasised the central government's 'Purvodaya' policy, which aims to develop eastern India. He stated that the region, once associated with backwardness, is now becoming a gateway to progress, with Odisha witnessing transformation.
The visit also saw President Murmu praise Mr. Modi, congratulating him for being the longest-serving Prime Minister of India. With less than a year remaining in her tenure, the event underscored the government's focus on tribal communities and regional development.
