Bhubaneswar: To mark the completion of one year in office, the Odisha government launched a statewide Bikash Vahan Yatra on Wednesday at Mahatma Gandhi Marg, Bhubaneswar.
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi flagged off the initiative, calling it a step toward deeper public engagement and inclusive governance.
Speaking at the event, the Chief Minister emphasized that people are the true authority in a democracy, and the government’s foremost duty is to serve them. “With a double-engine government in Odisha, development is progressing at double speed. This Yatra is a celebration of the work done and a vehicle to connect with every citizen,” he said.
The Bikash Vahan Yatra is designed to inform citizens about the government’s welfare schemes and achievements over the past year. Special vehicles will tour all 314 blocks, 115 notified area councils, and 5 municipal corporations, distributing the government’s report card titled Pragati Pravah along with other booklets and audiovisual content.
Highlighting major milestones, the Chief Minister said Odisha has witnessed transformation across sectors including women’s empowerment, tribal welfare, youth development, agriculture, infrastructure, and industry. “From villages to cities, a wave of hope has swept across Odisha,” he noted.
The initiative reflects the government’s emphasis on transparency, accountability, and citizen participation, with the Vikas Vahan serving as a mobile information hub for rural and urban communities alike.
Minister for Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Rabi Narayan Naik hailed the launch as a “new chapter” in Odisha’s development, reiterating the government’s commitment to building a Vikasit Odisha under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Chief Minister Majhi.
Also present were Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh and Development Commissioner-cum- Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja delivered the welcome address, while Panchayati Raj and Drinking Water Department Commissioner-cum-Secretary Girish S.N. offered the vote of thanks.
