Prime Minister Narendra Modi has recently inaugurated development projects in Odisha worth Rs 15.5 billion. The projects are related to education, connectivity, tourism and culture.

However, the Rs 15.5 billion projects are launched in addition to the recently launched projects worth Rs 145 billion, which was inaugurated by Prime Minister Modi in December 2018.

Prime Minister Modi has dedicated the electrification of Jharsuguda-Vizianagaram and Sambalpur-Angul railway lines spanning over 813 km to the nation. Completed at a cost of Rs 10.85 billion, the project aims to ensure rail connectivity and reduce journey time, besides reducing diesel consumption.

The doubling of 14.2-km long Barpali-Dungaripali rail line and 17.3-km-long Balangir-Deogaon rail lines, which have been completed at a cost of Rs 1.8 billion were reportedly inaugurated. Modi also dedicated to the nation a multi-modal logistics park at Jharsuguda, which has been built at a cost of Rs 1 billion.

Along with that, Modi inaugurated 15 km-long Balangir-Bichhupali railway line which has been laid at a cost of Rs 1.15 billion, and a bridge between Theruvali and Singapur Road station, which has been constructed at a cost of Rs 274 million.

The newly launched projects are expected to boost trade, commerce and tourism, and employment opportunities in the state.