THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU

ROURKELA, APRIL 21, 2026

Calling it a “historic day for Odisha,” Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday lauded the inauguration of a series of landmark projects in Rourkela during the visit of President Droupadi Murmu, asserting that the initiatives will redefine the city’s future.

Addressing a large gathering, the Chief Minister expressed gratitude to the President for gracing the occasion and dedicating key public infrastructure to the people, including a Planetarium, Science Centre, Tribal Museum, and a state-of-the-art Integrated Command and Control Centre. He said these projects mark a significant leap in strengthening Rourkela’s smart infrastructure, boosting tourism, and expanding educational opportunities.

Highlighting Rourkela’s identity as a hub of industrial strength, cultural diversity, and sporting excellence, he noted that the ₹48-crore Integrated Command and Control Centre will enhance urban governance and public safety through advanced technology, while the Tribal Museum will play a vital role in preserving and promoting Odisha’s rich tribal heritage.

The Chief Minister reaffirmed the government’s commitment to honouring the state’s icons, citing the naming of the Nirmal Munda Parivesh Path after the legendary freedom fighter as a step towards keeping Odisha’s history alive.

Outlining the roadmap for future growth, he spoke of expansion plans for Rourkela Airport and the Steel Plant, alongside the development of industrial corridors connecting Paradip, Dhenkanal, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, and Rourkela. These initiatives, he said, will accelerate economic progress and further cement Odisha’s position as a key growth engine of the nation.

He also praised the contributions of students from premier institutions such as the National Institute of Technology Rourkela and Parala Maharaja Engineering College in advancing India’s semiconductor innovation.

Concluding his address, the Chief Minister urged citizens to actively contribute towards building a clean and prosperous Rourkela, aligning with the broader vision of a “Viksit Odisha” by 2036 and a “Viksit Bharat” by 2047.