PM Narendra Modi being presented a memento by Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik during inauguration and foundation stone laying of various projects at Chandikhol, in Jajpur district, on 5 March, 2024. (PTI Photo)
PM also flagged off a new train between Puri and Anand Vihar (New Delhi) via Keonjhar station and initiated the first passenger train service on the Haridaspur–Paradip rail route
Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday arrived in Chandikhol, Jajpur district at Odisha, to inaugurate a series of projects and address a public gathering.
Following the inauguration and laying of foundation stones for development projects worth Rs 20,000 crore, PM Modi addressed Naveen Patnaik as the ‘Lokpriya‘ (popular) Chief Minister of Odisha.
During his address to the public, PM Modi criticised the previous governments in the state for their lack of commitment to timely project completion.
“The previous governments were not interested in completing the projects on time. After 2014, the projects which were stuck and lost in the country, have completed as was the case with the Paradip Refinery project, which had been pending since 2002,” Modi remarked.
The Prime Minister underscored the significance of inaugurating and laying foundation stones for major projects in petroleum, natural gas, atomic energy, roadways, railways, and connectivity. These initiatives are expected to stimulate industrial activities and create employment opportunities in the region.
He also spoke about the 344 km-long product pipeline traversing from Paradip in Odisha to Haldia in West Bengal. The PM inaugurated 0.6 MMTPA LPG Import facility at Paradip. He asserted that Indian Oil Corporation Limited Mono Ethylene Glycol project will revolutionise the polyester industry in eastern India and also help the textile parks in Bhadrak and Paradip get raw materials easily.
In addition, the Prime Minister flagged off a new train between Puri and Anand Vihar (New Delhi) via Keonjhar station and initiated the first passenger train service on the Haridaspur–Paradip rail route.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik praised the Prime Minister for revitalising India’s economy and requested continued cooperation for Odisha’s development. He expressed optimism that state would soon become a ‘major manufacturing hub in East India’, highlighting the state’s transformation in infrastructure development, ranking second in the country for investments.
“The Prime Minister has given new growth trajectory to the Indian economy, which is going to be the third largest economy. I would request the PM’s cooperation for Odisha’s development& thanked the PM for launch of various projects for Odisha,” Patnaik said.
“While development has bestowed a new identity upon Odisha, there is still much to be accomplished. Therefore, I seek the support of the Prime Minister in the endeavor for the 4.5 crore people of Odisha,” Patnaik noted.
Odisha CM also presented a painting of Lord Jagannath and his siblings to the Prime Minister, and both leaders paid tribute to the legendary leader Biju Patnaik on his 108th birth anniversary.
After the events, Prime Minister Modi addressed party workers in a meeting at Chandikhole.