Prime Minister Narendra Modi arrived in Odisha on Saturday for a significant visit to President Draupadi Murmu’s in-laws’ village in Paharpur, Mayurbhanj district, where he is set to inaugurate and lay the foundation stone for development projects worth over ₹47,600 crore. The visit coincides with President Murmu’s 67th birthday, adding a personal touch to the high-profile engagements in Rairangpur and surrounding areas.

The Prime Minister’s trip underscores the Centre’s focus on accelerating infrastructure and welfare initiatives in the state, with several key energy, road, irrigation and health projects in the spotlight.

Special Visit to Paharpur and Rairangpur

Modi landed in the morning and proceeded to Paharpur, the ancestral village of President Murmu’s in-laws. He is scheduled to offer prayers at local religious sites following Santhali and Ho Jahera traditions. President Murmu, who reached Rairangpur by road on Friday after bad weather disrupted her helicopter journey from West Bengal, is accompanying the Prime Minister for the day’s events.

At 1 pm, both leaders will jointly attend a ceremony in Rairangpur to mark two years of the Odisha government’s initiatives. Modi is also expected to address a public gathering, likely highlighting the transformative impact of the projects being rolled out.

Power and Energy Push

Among the major highlights is the inauguration of the 600 MW Upper Indravati Pumped Storage Project and the Stage-II expansion of the IB Thermal Power Station, adding two units of 660 MW each. The foundation stone for the Bharat Coal Gasification and Chemicals Limited project at Lakhanpur in Jharsuguda will also be laid, promising industrial growth and employment opportunities in the region.

These energy sector initiatives are expected to strengthen Odisha’s power infrastructure and support long-term economic development.

Infrastructure and Connectivity Boost

Several road and rail projects form a key part of the package. These include the Kathajodi River Bridge linking Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, widening of the Dhalpur-Harbhanga road in Boudh, and four-laning of the Nuapada-Ghatipara section of NH-353. Two multi-tracking railway projects costing over ₹732 crore, including the Hindol Road-Meramandali stretch, will be dedicated to the nation.

Additionally, the Nayagarh Town Bypass on NH-57 and other connectivity projects aim to improve mobility and trade across districts.

Water, Health and Education Initiatives

Focus on rural and tribal welfare is evident with projects like the Kusumdihi Mega Lift Irrigation Project, the underground pipeline of the Kusumi Smart Irrigation Project, and the Integrated Rural Pipe Water Supply for mining-affected villages. A 300-bed hospital in Boudh, 24 Atal Bus Stands, and nine Automated Testing Stations will also be inaugurated.

In Rairangpur, the foundation stone for IGNOU’s regional centre and an indoor badminton complex will be laid, alongside a Sports Complex and Tribal Research Centre. A 300-tonne municipal solid waste-based compressed biogas plant in Bhubaneswar adds to the green development push.

President Murmu’s Emotional Connect

The visit holds special significance for President Murmu, who was born in Uparbeda village and moved to Paharpur after her marriage in 1980. She began her political journey as an MLA from Rairangpur and served as a minister in the BJP-BJD government. The first tribal woman to become Governor of Jharkhand before assuming the highest constitutional office in 2022, Murmu’s roots in the region remain strong. Earlier on Friday, she inaugurated a medical camp by AIIMS Bhubaneswar and other local projects.

Development Momentum in Odisha

The ₹47,600 crore worth of projects span multiple sectors including energy, industry, roads, drinking water, health, education, tourism and irrigation. Officials said these initiatives will create jobs, improve living standards in tribal and rural areas, and boost overall state growth.

As Modi addresses the public, expectations are high for announcements that could further strengthen Centre-State collaboration. The day’s events blend governance with cultural respect, reflecting the government’s outreach to tribal communities and eastern states.

With President Murmu celebrating her birthday amid these milestones, the visit is being seen as a moment of both progress and personal warmth for the leadership.