₹24,500 crore projects unveiled as PM Modi tours Odisha, Bihar

In a high-stakes political and infrastructural blitz across eastern India, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday launched projects worth over Rs 24,500 crore in Odisha and Bihar, reaffirming his government’s commitment to regional development while sharpening political messaging ahead of an upcoming poll.

In Odisha’s capital Bhubaneswar, Modi unveiled 105 projects valued at ₹18,600 crore spanning sectors such as health, railways, highways, irrigation, and urban development. He also launched 100 electric buses for the capital region, inaugurated six sewage treatment plants under the Namami Gange programme and released a “Vision Document” that charts Odisha’s growth trajectory up to 2036, in sync with India’s 2047 centenary aspirations.

Addressing a packed crowd at Janata Maidan after a grand roadshow, the Prime Minister hailed the progress of the BJP-led state government, which recently completed its first year in power. He praised the people of Odisha for their “aspiration for rapid progress” and framed the new projects as a foundation for a “Viksit Bharat” with Odisha at its core.

From Bhubaneswar, Modi flew to Siwan in Bihar, where he inaugurated and laid the foundation for Rs 5,900 crore worth of development initiatives, including major investments in drinking water, railways, sewage treatment and electrification. A highlight was the flagging off of the Patliputra–Gorakhpur Vande Bharat Express and a locally manufactured locomotive engine headed for export to South Africa.

The Prime Minister used the Bihar platform to mount a fierce attack on opposition parties. “The ‘panja’ (Congress symbol) and ‘lantern’ (RJD symbol) together have hurt the pride of Bihar. They gave jungle raj and corruption. We are giving fast trains and development,” Modi declared, drawing applause from the crowd. He framed the NDA government’s investment in Bihar’s rail infrastructure as a sign of India’s emergence as a global manufacturing hub.

The twin events, held within hours of each other, were marked by symbolism, spectacle and contrasts. In Odisha, the focus was on governance milestones and long-term planning; in Bihar, it was a mix of development agenda and political criticism.

With state elections looming in Bihar and an assertive BJP eyeing a deeper foothold in Odisha, Modi’s development drive signals a blend of infrastructural outreach and electoral calculus, delivering both concrete projects and political messaging in one sweep.

Bihardevelopmental projectsinfrastructureNarendra ModiOdishaPrime MinisterWeb Exclusive