THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

BHUBANESWAR, APRIL 29, 2026

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday unveiled a massive development package worth over ₹1,330 crore for Keonjhar, marking a transformative moment in the district’s journey towards becoming a major industrial, transport, and infrastructure hub.

During his visit, the Chief Minister inaugurated 24 completed projects valued at ₹251 crore and laid the foundation stones for 62 new projects worth ₹705 crore. Further accelerating the district's growth trajectory, he announced an additional ₹375 crore package for 101 upcoming projects.

In a landmark move, Majhi launched Odisha’s first smart electric bus service in Keonjhar, ushering in a new era of sustainable and affordable public transportation. The fleet comprises 25 state-of-the-art electric buses, supported by a modern "Ama Bus" depot built at a cost of ₹17 crore. With fares starting at just ₹5, the service is expected to greatly benefit daily commuters.

Equipped with advanced passenger amenities such as air-conditioning, CCTV surveillance, GPS tracking, and emergency panic buttons, the smart e-buses are designed to offer a safe, comfortable, and eco-friendly travel experience.

Underscoring the government's commitment to women's empowerment, the Chief Minister announced that 30 women guides and two women drivers have been inducted into the e-bus service. He hailed the initiative as a significant step under Odisha's flagship "Mahila Shakti" campaign, creating new opportunities for women in the public transport sector.

Majhi also revealed plans for a mega steel plant in Keonjhar, a project poised to elevate the district into one of India's foremost industrial destinations. He said the slew of development initiatives would not only strengthen infrastructure and generate employment but also contribute significantly to environmental sustainability by reducing carbon emissions by nearly 390 tonnes annually.

As part of the welfare outreach, the Chief Minister distributed financial assistance of ₹5.75 lakh to six beneficiaries under various government schemes.

Calling the coming years "Odisha's decade of determination," Majhi reaffirmed his government's commitment to building a prosperous, developed, and self-reliant Odisha by 2036. He said Keonjhar would play a pivotal role in realising this ambitious vision.