In a landmark event for Odisha’s growth trajectory, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi today inaugurated and laid the foundation for a series of transformative development and industrial projects worth over Rs 50,308 crore in Dhenkanal.
The initiatives, which include a Rs 120 crore Baji Rout Sports Complex, Rs 188 crore worth of development projects, and four major industrial projects exceeding Rs 50,000 crore, are poised to redefine Dhenkanal as Odisha’s solar energy powerhouse and create employment opportunities for approximately 26,400 youth.
The Chief Minister’s visit to Dhenkanal marked a significant milestone in Odisha’s journey toward becoming a hub of industrial and infrastructural excellence. Among the highlights was the inauguration of 12 development projects worth Rs 112 crore and the foundation stone-laying for 10 additional projects valued at Rs 76 crore. These initiatives span critical sectors such as infrastructure, education, and public welfare, aimed at uplifting the socio-economic fabric of the district.
A key highlight of the event was the foundation stone-laying for the Baji Rout Sports Complex in Banamaliprasad, Dhenkanal, with an investment of Rs 120 crore. Named after Odisha’s youngest martyr, Baji Rout, the state-of-the-art facility will feature a football field, a synthetic athletic track, a hockey training centre, an indoor stadium, a swimming pool, and a 100-bed sports hostel.
Speaking at the event, CM Majhi emphasised that the complex will nurture the sporting aspirations of Odisha’s youth, fostering a new generation of athletes. “This sports complex will take our young generation’s passion for sports to new heights, strengthening the district’s sports infrastructure and empowering our youth,” he said.
Solar Energy and Industrial Growth
The cornerstone of the day’s announcements was the launch of four industrial projects worth over Rs 50,000 crore, with a significant focus on solar energy. Of this, Rs 30,000 crore is dedicated to solar energy projects, positioning Dhenkanal as a frontrunner in Odisha’s renewable energy landscape. The Chief Minister articulated his vision to make Dhenkanal the state’s solar energy hub, stating, “Our goal is to establish Dhenkanal as Odisha’s leading district for solar energy, contributing not only to the state but to the nation’s renewable energy goals.”
These industrial projects are expected to generate approximately 26,400 direct and indirect jobs, providing a significant boost to employment opportunities for the youth of Odisha. The initiatives align with the state’s “Utkarsh Odisha – Make in Odisha” conclave, showcasing the government’s commitment to fostering industrial growth and economic prosperity. “These projects add a new stream to Odisha’s development journey. Within less than a year, our government has begun fulfilling the promises made to the people, and we will never break their trust,” CM Majhi declared during his address.
The Chief Minister also highlighted the state government’s efforts to address unemployment, a pressing issue for Odisha’s youth. He noted that 27,000 vacant government posts have already been filled in the first year of his administration, with plans to fill an additional 40,000 posts in the current year. In a significant move to support job aspirants, the government has raised the maximum age limit for government job applications to 42 years, providing greater opportunities for young candidates to compete.
“Odisha’s youth are the architects of our future. Their biggest challenge is employment, and our government is taking concrete steps to address this,” said CM Majhi. He reiterated the state’s commitment to creating a robust ecosystem for job creation through industrial and infrastructural development.
A Vision for a Prosperous Odisha
The event underscored the state government’s ambitious goal to transform Odisha into a prosperous state by 2036. “The foundation for a new, prosperous Odisha was laid on June 12 last year. Today, we are building on that foundation to create a thriving Dhenkanal and a thriving Odisha,” the Chief Minister stated. He emphasized that the success of these projects will contribute to making every district in Odisha prosperous, with Dhenkanal leading the charge.
The program was attended by several dignitaries, including Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, who praised the Chief Minister’s efforts to make Odisha an industrial powerhouse. “Within six months, we are witnessing the results of CM Majhi’s vision to boost industrial growth and employment,” Swain said. Food Supplies Minister Krushna Chandra Patra echoed this sentiment, highlighting the government’s dedication to fulfilling its promises to the people. “Our government is working tirelessly for the welfare of Odisha’s citizens, and today’s projects are a testament to that commitment,” he said.
The event also saw the participation of Dhenkanal MP Rudra Narayan Pani, Kamakhyanagar MLA Shatrughan Jena, Parjang MLA Bibhuti Bhusan Pradhan, Hindol MLA Simarani Nayak, and Pallahara MLA Ashok Mahanti. District Collector Somesh Kumar Upadhyay delivered the welcome address, while Additional District Collector Ramesh Kumar Sethi proposed the vote of thanks.
The projects launched today mark a pivotal moment for Dhenkanal, blending industrial innovation, renewable energy, and sports infrastructure to create a holistic development model.
With a focus on sustainable growth and youth empowerment, Odisha is steadily marching toward its vision of becoming a prosperous state, with Dhenkanal at the forefront of this transformation.
