Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled a series of major development projects worth over Rs 1,330 crore during his visit to Keonjhar.
The initiatives aim to transform the district’s infrastructure, transport, and industrial landscape.
The Chief Minister inaugurated 24 completed projects worth ₹251 crore and laid the foundation stones for 62 new ones valued at Rs 705 crore. He also announced a Rs 375 crore package for 101 upcoming projects to accelerate Keonjhar’s growth.
Majhi launched the state’s first smart e-bus service in Keonjhar, introducing 25 modern electric buses and a Rs 17 crore “Ama Bus” depot. The service offers fares starting at Rs 5, making travel affordable for daily commuters. Each bus features air-conditioning, CCTV cameras, GPS tracking, and panic buttons to ensure passenger safety.
Highlighting women’s empowerment, Majhi said 30 women guides and two women drivers have joined the e-bus workforce. He described the initiative as a milestone under the state’s “Mahila Shakti” campaign.
The Chief Minister announced that a mega steel plant will soon be established in Keonjhar, positioning the district as one of India’s leading industrial hubs. He emphasised that the projects will strengthen local infrastructure, create jobs, and reduce carbon emissions by up to 390 tonnes annually.
Majhi also distributed Rs 5.75 lakh in assistance to six beneficiaries under various welfare schemes. He called the next decade “Odisha’s decade of determination,” pledging to build a prosperous state by 2036.
