Bhubaneswar: On the occasion of 107th birth anniversary of legendary Biju Patnaik on Sunday, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik launched several projects in 3 western Odisha districts.
During his visit to Bargarh district, the chief minister inaugurated Biju Expressway at Amapani and Biju Economic Corridor from Sohela to Amapani. He distributed interest-free loans of Rs 42 crore to the members of Mission Shakti and launched three projects worth Rs 3,081 crore in Bargarh, Nuapada and Kalahandi districts.
Speaking at public meetings organised at different places during his visit, Naveen said Biju Epressway will serve as a lifeline for the people of the area. Besides improving the market availability for the farmers, the Expressway will help the students in their education, traders in their business and the healthcare services, he added.
“The economic corridor will attract the investors to set up industries thereby boosting the economic activities in the region. As an incentive to the investors, the government would extend a subsidy of 30%,” Naveen said.
Stating that the process of land acquisition has been initiated for development of industries, he said the economic corridor will benefit the people of Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri.
Recalling the contributions of Biju Patnaik towards infrastructure development in Odisha, the chief minister said Sambalpur-Rourkela road, known as L&T road, was started by him in 1993. He thanked all stakeholders for completion of the 4-lane Ghatipada-Amapani Expressway in record time.
Several ministers and local leaders of ruling BJD were present at the meetings.