Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik visited Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nuapada districts and inaugurated the Biju Expressway at Ampani and the Biju Economic Corridor from Sohela to Ampani on the occasion of the 106th anniversary of the visionary statesman and former Chief Minister on Saturday. In addition, he inaugurated and laid the foundation of various projects to the tune of Rs 3,081 crore in these three districts.
Addressing the gatherings organised on this occasion, the Chief Minister said that the Biju Expressway is not just a road but the lifeline of this region.
Stating that the Biju Expressway has brought many opportunities to the region, the Chief Minister said, “It will open up market facilities for farmers, provide opportunities to students, provide a boost to businesses, offer improved health services and facilitate transportation for the common people. The Biju Expressway will completely transform the lives of the people in the region.”
At the same time, the Chief Minister said, the Biju Economic Corridor on both sides of the Biju Express from Sohela to Ampani will increase investment and create new industries.
Reiterating his statement that he believes in new businesses, the Chief Minister said that an additional 30 per cent subsidy will be given to investors as an incentive to attract investments to the Biju Economic Corridor.
“Advance land acquisition work has been initiated to facilitate industrial development. The Biju Economic Corridor will benefit the residents of Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri districts. Economic activities will increase between west and south Odisha. Tourism will also develop,” the Chief Minister added.
He thanked everyone for completing the road work around the Biju Expressway from Khokpada to Ampani within a year. “Remembering the great hero Biju Babu, who played a leading role in the development of infrastructure in Odisha,” the Chief Minister said, adding, “My government is also working to build a strong Odisha on lines of Biju Babu’s work.”
He reminded the people that the Sambalpur-Raulkela road was designed by Biju babu and that work on the road now known as L&T Road was started by Biju babu in 1993.
Members of the Odisha Council of Ministers and BJD MLAs were present in all these programmes.
