Bhubaneswar, Odisha : On the occasion of Independence Day, Odisha Chief Minister highlighted the third pillar of the state’s development model: infrastructure. “No society can achieve meaningful progress without a strong foundation,” he said. To strengthen this foundation, the government has allocated ₹65,000 crore in the current budget, the highest percentage of GDP among Indian states. This significant investment will accelerate development across roads, education, healthcare, irrigation, airports, and port facilities.
Under the double-engine government approach, Odisha has achieved rapid progress in rail and road construction. Over the next five years, the state plans to build 75,000 km of high-quality roads to improve connectivity. Airport infrastructure has been upgraded to facilitate domestic and international travel, while port modernization is underway, with four new ports planned in addition to the major hubs at Paradip, Dhamra, and Subarnarekha.
Addressing urban development needs, the Chief Minister announced the construction of Jan Aashray Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, offering affordable housing to thousands of residents visiting for work. This facility will ensure safe and convenient accommodations, enabling people to focus on their professional commitments without worrying about living conditions.
The fourth pillar of Odisha’s development model is Odia identity and cultural heritage. The government is committed to preserving Odia language, traditions, and history. Plans are underway for a world-class Shri Jagannath Museum, library, interpretation center, and aquarium in Puri to boost tourism while celebrating Odia culture. Additionally, the Odia language has been made mandatory in official administration, reinforcing its prominence in governance and public life.
To honor Odisha’s great personalities, the Adarsha Gram Yojana has been launched, transforming the birthplaces of eminent Odias into model villages. This initiative preserves cultural heritage while promoting rural development and community welfare.
Through robust infrastructure projects, urban planning, and the promotion of Odia identity, the state government aims to ensure sustainable growth, enhanced quality of life, and long-term empowerment of citizens across Odisha.
