Odisha Set to Emerge as a Major IT Center: Ashwini Vaishnaw
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Bhubaneswar, Jan 9 (NationPress) The Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced on Thursday that Odisha will undergo a significant transformation into a mega IT hub in the upcoming two to three years.
While addressing the media, Vaishnaw mentioned that he engaged in comprehensive discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi following directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
"Our goal is to transition Odisha into a mega IT hub within two to three years. We will equip the youth through training in Information Technology, Electronics, Semiconductors, Artificial Intelligence, the latest Machine Learning, IoT, and Industry 4.0, thereby establishing Odisha as a key player in the IT landscape," the Union Minister elaborated.
The Union Minister also shared that he and CM Majhi had an extensive discussion on this matter, with the initial steps to be implemented in the coming months.
Vaishnaw further revealed that the 'Chip to Startup' initiative is being facilitated at four technical institutions: IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela, IIIT Bhubaneswar, and Parala Maharaja Engineering College, Berhampur, aimed at fostering IT startups in Odisha.
The central government is also planning to establish a world-class IT training institute in the state.
CM Majhi has promised to provide appropriate land and all necessary support for the institution's establishment in the region.
The Chief Minister also requested the Union Minister's assistance in setting up a semiconductor industry in Odisha.
Union Minister Vaishnaw emphasized that the BJP government committed during the 2024 general elections that, if elected, it would facilitate investments worth Rs 1 lakh crore in the enhancement of Railways in Odisha.
He also indicated that projects exceeding Rs 73,000 crore are currently underway in the state.
According to reports, Vaishnaw expressed during discussions with CM Majhi that many new railway projects will be initiated in Odisha over the next five years.
Government sources noted that a total of 1,827 km of railway lines were constructed in Odisha from 2014 to 2024, surpassing the railway network of Sri Lanka.
During this timeframe, 427 rail under-bridges were also constructed.
Currently, six Vande Bharat trains operate within Odisha, and 59 stations are set to be upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.
