Prime Minister Narendra Modi unveiled ₹47,000 crore worth of development projects for Odisha on Saturday (June 20, 2026), making the announcement at Rairangpur, widely known as the hometown of President Droupadi Murmu, on the occasion of her 68th birthday.

Rairangpur, playing host to the celebrations marking two years of the Bharatiya Janata Party government in the State, is the northern Odisha town closest to Ms. Murmu’s tiny home village of Uparbeda.

First, however, the Prime Minister observed tribal traditions at Pahadpur, the President’s in-laws’ village. Accompanied by Ms. Murmu, Mr. Modi toured the tribal village, interacted with residents, and paid obeisance at the Jahera, the sacred Santhal place of worship.

“It is a matter of great pride for all of us that Odisha’s daughter has reached such a high office in the country and is guiding us. Her personality, her generous and compassionate nature, and her unwavering dedication to serving the nation and society have strengthened not only Mayurbhanj but the identity of the entire Odisha,” Mr. Modi said, extending birthday greetings to Ms. Murmu.

Development agenda

Addressing a public meeting in Rairangpur, the PM frequently switched themes between Ms. Murmu and her tribal roots, and the development of Odisha through its natural resources.

“Today, many important projects related to Odisha’s development have been inaugurated and their foundation stones laid. About ₹47,000 crore will be spent on these projects. These projects in power, roads, railways, health, and education will greatly benefit people,” he said.

He laid the foundation for a ₹25,016 crore coal gasification unit being established in Jharsuguda district and launched ₹700 crore worth of rail infrastructure under East Coast Railway.

“So far, investment proposals worth around ₹20 lakh crore have been received. Work is underway on mega projects worth over ₹3.5 lakh crore. Efforts are being made for holistic development to create a favourable environment for industries. More than ₹6,000 crore is being invested in the power sector,” Mr. Modi said.

Solar powered village

“I also want to inform you about a government decision that Pahadpur village will now be rapidly developed as a Suryagram, a solar village. That means every household will generate solar power. We can proudly say that just as Odisha is known for the Sun Temple in Konark, Pahadpur will gain recognition as a Suryagram,” the Prime Minister said, adding that work on this project will begin immediately.

Through this initiative, the people of Pahadpur will get free solar electricity, and surplus power will also increase their income, he said.

Earlier in the day, Mr. Modi flew from Kalaikunda Air Force Station in West Bengal where he was on a two-day visit to attend the celebration of Paschim Banga Dibas (West Bengal Day) and the International Day of Yoga.

Eastern gateway to progress

Emphasising the development agenda in India’s eastern States, Mr. Modi said, “The vision of the Central government is that India’s development will come through the development of eastern India. That is why we are working on the ‘Purvodaya’ policy. The eastern region, which was once made synonymous with backwardness during the Congress era, is now becoming the gateway to progress. Odisha itself is witnessing this transformation.”

During the Prime Minister’s visit to Pahadpur, the President assumed the roles of host and guide. Ms. Murmu was effusive in her praise for Mr. Modi, congratulating him for being the longest serving Prime Minister of India.

“With just a year remaining in President Murmu’s tenure, this visit could be seen as a very meaningful gesture, especially as PM Modi personally travelled to her village. The BJP leadership appeared keen to signal that her elevation as the country’s first tribal woman President was not mere symbolism. Rather, it underscored the party’s stated commitment to the cause of tribal communities and their long-term empowerment,” said Rabindra Patnaik, a Rairangpur-based journalist.