Dikhyaa Mohanty 
In a major boost to infrastructure development in Keonjhar, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated and laid the foundation stones for 71 development projects worth more than ₹1,900 crore in the district. Addressing a large gathering at the Dharanidhar University ground in Keonjhar, the Chief Minister laid the foundation stone for 35 projects valued at ₹1,708 crore and inaugurated 36 completed projects costing ₹194 crore.
According to officials, the projects span key sectors such as education, healthcare, irrigation, roads, tourism, skill development, and rural infrastructure. Major initiatives include a ₹50 crore Regional Plant Resource Centre (RPRC), 147 model Anganwadi centres worth ₹38.22 crore, block-level stadiums in six blocks at a cost of ₹101 crore, additional classrooms and ICT laboratories costing ₹21.50 crore, a forest training school in Champua worth ₹14 crore, and a mining sector skill training centre under the District Mineral Foundation (DMF) with an investment of ₹9.60 crore.
Describing Keonjhar as a district rich in natural resources, cultural heritage, and hardworking people, the Chief Minister said it has long been a backbone of Odisha’s economy through its contributions in minerals, forests, and agriculture. He noted that development in the district has gained rapid momentum, comparing it to “adding a rocket engine,” since the laying of the foundation stone for the Maa Tarini project.
Outlining his vision for the future, Majhi said the government plans to develop Keonjhar into a major steel city, upgrade most approach roads to six-lane standards, construct a ring road in Barbil, and transform the district into one of the best in Odisha within the next three to four years. Reiterating his government’s commitment to balanced regional development, he said efforts are underway to address long-standing regional disparities. He added that soon after assuming office, a task force was constituted for the North and South Odisha Development Councils, which will become fully operational once their report is submitted. Referring to similar project launches in Sambalpur (₹950 crore) and Bargarh (₹980 crore), the Chief Minister emphasised that development initiatives are being rolled out across all 30 districts of the state throughout the year.
