Odisha wants ₹10,000 crore from govt to develop tourism infra

Stating that about ₹10,000 crore of investment was needed to create a world-class tourism infrastructure in Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has urged the central government to announce a special package for the eastern state.

He made the demand at the pre-budget consultation meeting with Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman at Jaisalmer in Rajasthan on Dec 20.

"We need about ₹10,000 crore of investment to create a world-class tourism infrastructure across the state. I request the Center to announce a special package for the development of tourism in Odisha in the 2025-26 budget," Majhi said at the meeting, according to a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO).

Majhi also sought the government's support for Odisha’s urbanization.

"Odisha's urbanization is much lower than the national average. Cities are the engines of growth and migration of large populations from villages to cities is inevitable. This requires huge capital investment for which support from the Union government will be necessary," he said.

The CM also urged the central government to sanction the development of two new industrial townships ― Gopalpur (Salt Pan Land) and Jharsuguda ― to accelerate economic growth in southern and western Odisha.

Noting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi has stated that Odisha will be the growth engine of the country in the coming years, Majhi said in order to achieve this, the state needs support for developing crucial infrastructure such as industrial parks and corridors, railways, roads, ports and airports.

He also sought a dedicated scheme under the 'Purvodaya' initiative to support critical infrastructure development in eastern states, and the inclusion of uncovered blocks in Mayurbhanj and Keonjhar districts under the Aspirational Blocks program.

"The expectations of people are very high. People of Odisha want to see transformation in healthcare, education and infrastructure," Majhi added.

(PTI)