Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Sunday launched development projects worth Rs 3081 crore for the districts of Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nuapada in Western Odisha on the occasion of birth anniversary of legendary freedom fighter and former Chief Minister Biju Patnaik.
Naveen also dedicated the much-awaited Biju Expressway at Ampani and the Biju Economic Corridor from Sohela to Ampani. The CM sanctioned assistance of Rs 42 crore for Mission Shakti SHGs of Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nuapada.
Addressing the massive gathering of people at a function, Naveen said the Biju Expressway is not just a road, it is the lifeline of the region. This expressway will usher into a new era of development for the entire Odisha.
Stating that the Biju Expressway has brought many opportunities to the region, the Chief Minister said that there will be market facilities for farmers. The expressway will immensely benefit the students, businessmen and common people. Health services will be further improved, he said.
The Chief Minister said that the Biju Economic Corridor on both sides of the Biju Express from Sohela to Ampani will boost investment and create new industries.
Reiterating that he believes in action not in words, the Chief Minister said that as an incentive to attract investors to the Biju Economic Corridor, investors will get an additional 30 percent discount.
Advance land acquisition has also been started for industrial development. , Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri districts will be especially benefited from Biju Economic Corridor. Economic activity will increase between West and South Odisha. Tourism will also develop.
Remembering the great son of the soil Biju Babu, who played a leading role in the development of infrastructure in Odisha, the Chief Minister said that he is working to build a strong Odisha following the ideals of Biju Babu.
Biju Babu had envisaged Sambalpur-Raulkela road. This road known as L&T road was started by Biju Babu in 1993. Biju Babu was always associated with the soil of Odisha and the dreams of the people of Odisha, Naveen said.