The government inaugurated 24 completed projects worth Rs 294.1 mn and commenced 51 others valued at Rs 3.26 bn, and announced plans for a new electrical substation costing Rs 2.98 bn to serve the Joda, Basudevpur and Barbil areas. Officials said the moves aim to improve connectivity for mining belts and strengthen local services. The projects span roads, power and training facilities.
The administration has directed the district to accelerate development of an eight-lane Barbil-Paradip road and intends to convert all roads leading to mining areas into eight-lane highways. In addition, a Rs 16.47 bn grid substation for Keonjhar has cabinet approval and is scheduled for completion within three years to supply industry and households. Plans to establish a mega steel plant in Keonjhar are advancing and the foundation stone is expected to be laid soon.
The chief minister offered full administrative support to any industrial house investing more than Rs 100 bn and generating employment for over 10,000 youths in Keonjhar. The Barbil Industrial Training Institute will be developed as a centre of excellence to showcase youth skills. The state government reaffirmed its objective of building a prosperous Odisha by 2036 and welcomed measures intended to strengthen economic inclusion, while noting a 33 per cent reservation for women at the national level. Officials described the plan as transformative.