Majhi Urges Centre for a Dedicated Budget Allocation for Various Infrastructure Projects in Odisha
In a significant move towards bolstering the infrastructure development in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi made a pressing plea to the central government. His request was centered around securing dedicated budget allocations and expedited clearances for a spectrum of pivotal infrastructure ventures within the state.
During the 9th meeting of the Governing Council of NITI Aayog held in New Delhi, Majhi underscored the imperative need for central assistance. This includes support for the initiation of large-scale port-based industrial zones strategically located around Odisha’s existing ports. Another major emphasis was laid on establishing Disaster Resilient Infrastructure across various essential sectors such as power and telecom as well as reinforcing coastal saline embankments.
Majhi articulated his vision of ‘Viksit Odisha’ as a cornerstone for the broader objective of ‘Viksit Bharat,’ with the timeline set towards 2047, marking a century of Odisha’s statehood. The strategy hinges on stimulating substantial growth to transform this vision into reality, with an equal focus on ensuring economic growth harmonizes with social well-being, sustainability, and the preservation of culture and heritage.
The Chief Minister expressed his gratitude towards the Prime Minister for the Purvodaya scheme announced in the Union Budget of 2024-25. This scheme aims at propelling the development of five eastern states, including Odisha. Highlighting the state’s extensive 480 km coastline, he pitched for adopting a model of port-led development to position Odisha as a pivotal gateway to Eastern and South-Eastern Asia and a significant port of call for neighboring landlocked states.
For realizing these ambitious projects, Majhi called for the establishment of port-based industrial zones around existing ports such as Dhamra and Gopalpur and the development of greenfield ports at strategic locations including Astaranga, Palur, Bahuda, and Subarnarekha.
In addition to the maritime infrastructure, Majhi highlighted the necessity for substantial budgetary allocations and prompt clearances for various other infrastructure initiatives. This encompasses Industrial Parks and Corridors, Electricity Grids, Railway Infrastructure, and upgraded air connectivity.
Given Odisha’s vulnerability to natural disasters, its prowess in disaster management was lauded. However, to further mitigate the impacts of cyclones and floods, Odisha seeks financial backing for creating disaster-resilient infrastructures in critical sectors.
Majhi also addressed the prospects of a green economy through support for Pumped Hydro Storage Plants (PSPs), Floating Solar Projects, and intrastate green energy transmission corridor projects. Further attention was drawn towards financial inclusion, advocating for the expansion of banking services across underbanked regions.
Reflecting on Odisha’s burgeoning tech landscape characterized by a talented pool of professionals and a vibrant startup ecosystem, Majhi proposed the development of a Semiconductor Hub. This initiative aims to attract foreign investments and state-of-the-art technologies for semiconductor design and manufacturing.
Concerning transportation, an increase in railway density was sought to bridge the gap with the national average, alongside incentives for Odisha to reduce its carbon footprint and render ecological services, considering its high forest cover.
Majhi concluded with a hopeful note on the potential synergies between the Central and State Governments. He emphasized that such collaboration is pivotal for the realization of ‘Viksit Bharat’ by 2047, thereby setting a precedent for comprehensive and sustainable national development.
