Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik inaugurated the Biju Expressway at Ampani and the Biju Economic Corridor from Sohela to Ampani on the 107th birth anniversary of legendary leader Biju Patnaik Sunday.
The Chief Minister also launched various developmental projects worth Rs 3,081 crore in Bargarh, Kalahandi and Nuapada districts.
Patnaik also distributed interest-free loans of Rs 42 crore to the members of Mission Shakti in the three districts.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said that Biju Expressway is not merely a road, it is the lifeline of the region and it will write a new history of development for the entire state.
Stating that the Biju Expressway has brought many opportunities for the region, Patnaik said it will provide marketing facilities for farmers and create opportunities for the education of students. Businessmen would benefit while health care facilities would also improve.
He said the investment will increase and new industries will come up on both sides of the economic corridor of Biju Expressway from Sohela to Ampani.
Reiterating his statement, that he believes in work and not in words, Chief Minster said an additional subsidy of 30 per cent would be provided as an incentive to attract investors to the Biju Economic Corridor.
He said the acquisition of land to expedite the development of industries has been made in advance.
Patnaik said the people of Sundargarh, Sambalpur, Jharsuguda, Nuapada, Kalahandi, Nabarangpur, Koraput and Malkangiri will benefit from the corridor, which would boost economic activities between the western and southern Odisha as well as tourism.
Remembering the contribution of great leader Biju Patnaik — a former Odisha Chief Minister for the development of infrastructure in Odisha — Naveen Patnaik said he has been working on his ideology for the formation of an empowered Odisha.
Stating that Biju Babu was always with Odisha and with the dream of the people of the state, he paid his tribute to him.
UNI