₹47,000 crore for Odisha as PM Modi signals strong tribal outreach

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday (June 20, 2026) unveiled development projects worth ₹47,000 crore for Odisha, making the announcement in Rairangpur, widely known as the hometown of President Droupadi Murma, on the occasion of her 68th birthday.

Rairangpur, which is hosting the celebration of two years of Bharatiya Janata Party rule in the state, is the town in northern Odisha closest to Ms. Murma’s small native village of Uparbeda.

But first, the Prime Minister observed tribal traditions in Pahadpur, the village of the President’s in-laws. Accompanied by Ms. Murma, Mr. Modi toured the tribal village, interacted with residents and paid obeisance at Jahera, a sacred place of worship for the Santhals.

“It is a matter of great pride for all of us that Odisha’s daughter has attained such a high office in the country and is leading us. Her personality, her generous and compassionate nature and her unwavering determination to serve the nation and society have strengthened not only Mayurbhanj but the identity of Odisha as a whole,” Mr. Modi said as he greeted Ms. Murma.

Development agenda

At a public meeting in Rairangpur, the Prime Minister frequently switched topics between Ms. Murma and her tribal roots and Odisha’s development through its natural resources.

“Many important projects related to the development of Odisha were inaugurated today and their foundation stones were laid. About ₹ 47,000 crore will be spent on these projects. These projects in the areas of power, roads, railways, health and education will greatly benefit the people,” he said.

He laid the foundation stone for the ₹25,016 crore coal gasification unit being set up in Jharsuguda district and started the ₹700 crore railway infrastructure under the East Coast Railway.

“So far investment proposals worth around ₹ 20 crore have been received. Mega projects worth over ₹ 3.5 crore are in progress. Holistic development efforts are being made to create an enabling environment for industry. More than ₹ 6,000 crore is being invested in the power sector,” Mr Modi said.

Solar powered village

“I also want to inform you about the government’s decision that Pahadpur village will now be rapidly developed as Suryagram, a solar village. This means that every household will generate solar energy. We can proudly say that just as Odisha is known for the Sun Temple at Konark, Pahadpur will get recognition as Suryagram,” the Prime Minister said, adding that work on this project would begin immediately.

Through this initiative, residents of Pahadpur will get free solar electricity and surplus power will also increase their income, he said.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Modi had taken off from Kalaikunda Air Force Station in West Bengal, where he was on a two-day visit to participate in Paschim Banga Dibas (West Bengal Day) and International Yoga Day celebrations.

Eastern Gateway to Progress

Highlighting the development agenda in the eastern states of India, Mr. Modi said, “The vision of the central government is that the development of India will be through the development of eastern India. That is why we are working on the ‘Purvodaya’ policy. The eastern region, which was once synonymous with backwardness during the Congress era, is now becoming a gateway to progress. Odisha itself is witnessing this transformation.”

During the Prime Minister’s visit to Pahadpur, the President assumed the role of host and guide. Ms Murmu was effusive in her praise of Mr Modi, congratulating him on being India’s longest serving Prime Minister.

“With only a year left in President Murma’s tenure, the visit could be seen as a very meaningful gesture, especially as PM Modi personally traveled to her village. The BJP leadership seemed to want to indicate that her elevation as the country’s first tribal woman president was not merely symbolic. Rather, it underscored the party’s declared commitment to their long-term cause of Patna-Tribal communities, Rabin and tribal communities. A journalist from Rairangpur.

Published – 20 June 2026 22:50 IST