Dikhyaa Mohanty 
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced development projects for Ganjam district totaling more than Rs 492 crore on Friday, marking the conclusion of Gopalpur Mahotsav 2026. According to officials, the projects would cost Rs 32 crore and comprise road building, hostel amenities, health infrastructure, and beach beautification in Gopalpur.
The Chief Minister also proclaimed Upendra Bhanja’s birth anniversary a state holiday and announced plans to restore the “Upendra Bhanja Chair” at Berhampur University. Majhi said that the Gopalpur port extension project, which would increase cargo handling capacity to 50 million metric tons and generate 5,000 employment, will be carried out at a cost of more than Rs 16,554 crore. There are also plans to spend Rs 21,500 crore in a major port at Bahuda.
The Gopalpur Beach Festival, held from January 27 to 30, exhibited Odisha’s coastal culture, traditions, food, and art, attracting tourists from throughout the state. The state’s dedication to sustainable development and turning Ganjam into an industrial center was reiterated by Chief Minister Majhi. The festival promoted tourism in the area by showcasing local cuisine, handicrafts, and cultural events. Steel & Mines and Commerce & Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, Khallikote MLA Purna Chandra Sethi, Aska MLA Saroj Kumar Padhi, Chhatrapur MLA Krushna Chandra Nayak, Kabisuryanagar MLA Pratap Chandra Nayak, and Digpahandi MLA Sidhhant Mohapatra were among the notable attendees.
