Jharsuguda, Sep 27 (NationPress) Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for a multitude of development initiatives valued at Rs 60,000 crore in Jharsuguda, Odisha, reinforcing his vision for an 'Aatmanirbhar Bharat' (self-reliant India).

These groundbreaking projects encompass various fields such as telecommunications, railways, higher education, healthcare, skill development, and rural housing, among others.

While addressing a substantial crowd, PM Modi conveyed his Navratri greetings and was met with enthusiastic chants of 'Modi-Modi'.

The Prime Minister expressed gratitude for the gifts presented to him, including artistic portraits, assuring the crowd that he would respond to them.

“Today marks the new dawn for BSNL with the rollout of its Swadeshi 4G services. The expansion of IITs across the nation also commences today,” he announced, highlighting the significant educational and technological advancements taking place in the state.

Over 92,600 4G technology sites initiated by BSNL have been launched. More than 18,900 4G sites funded under the Digital Bharat Nidhi will connect around 26,700 previously unconnected villages in remote and border areas, serving over 20 lakh new subscribers.

These towers are powered by solar energy, marking them as India’s largest cluster of green telecom sites, contributing to sustainable infrastructure.

The Prime Minister also laid the groundwork for significant railway enhancements that will improve connectivity and stimulate regional economic growth.

Among these initiatives are the foundation stone for the Rail Flyover at Sambalpur–Sarla, and the dedication of the doubled Koraput–Baiguda line, alongside the Manabar–Koraput–Gorapur line.

These projects will greatly enhance freight and passenger transit in Odisha and surrounding states, bolstering local industries and trade.

During the event, he also flagged off the Amrit Bharat Express connecting Berhampur and Udhna (Surat), providing economical and convenient travel across states, promoting tourism, job creation, and linking vital economic districts.

He remarked, “The modern Amrit Bharat train from Brahmapur to Surat has just been inaugurated. You all know the significance of your connection with Surat, where many from this region have settled.”

The Prime Minister distributed sanction orders to 50,000 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana.

“Our government is dedicated to empowering the underprivileged. We are resolute in offering all necessary support to the poor, Dalits, backward classes, and Adivasis. This event reflects our commitment,” he emphasized.

“When a family achieves ownership of a pucca house, it eases the life of current and future generations. Our government has provided pucca homes to 4,000 crore families to date,” he stated.

“In Odisha, we are beginning the construction of thousands of homes, with the state government doing commendable work. We have extended 50,000 homes to the local populace and are aiding backward tribes,” he added.

The Antyodaya Gruha Yojana aims to provide pucca houses and financial aid to impoverished rural families, including individuals with disabilities, terminal illnesses, widows, and victims of natural disasters.

“Odisha is rich in natural resources and has endured decades of hardship; however, this decade will lead it towards prosperity. It is a crucial period for Odisha,” PM Modi said.

“Odisha is progressing rapidly, akin to a double-engine. Initiatives worth crores initiated today stem from decisions made 18 months ago,” he added.

He further noted that the Centre has recently sanctioned two semiconductor units for Odisha, along with plans to develop a semiconductor park in the state.

“The smallest chips, vital for device functionality, will now be produced in Odisha. Our vision is that India should be Aatmanirbhar from the tiniest chip to the largest ships across all sectors,” PM Modi affirmed.

“Every citizen aspires for India to be ‘Aatmanirbhar’, and a vast industrial corridor is being developed from Paradeep to Jharsuguda,” he added.

He highlighted the significance of shipbuilding in trade and security, stating, “During conflicts, ships can ensure uninterrupted imports and exports. This is why the BJP-led government has initiated a substantial Rs 70,000 crore shipbuilding package, anticipated to draw in Rs 4.5 lakh crore in investment,” he explained.

“When 2G, 3G, and 4G services were launched, India was lagging internationally... We all remember the jokes regarding '2G, 3G, and what next...'. India was reliant on foreign nations for technology, which was unacceptable. We resolved to develop this pivotal technology domestically, and it's a point of pride that BSNL has successfully created indigenous 4G technology,” he concluded.