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New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Pradhan, Oram discuss RSP expansion with Kumaraswamy
BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to expedite the pending proposal of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) for capacity enhancement, two Union ministers from the state held discussions with their counterpart in Heavy Industries and Steel HD Kumaraswamy in New Delhi on Wednesday. Union minister of Tribal Affairs, Jual Oram and Union Education minister Dharmendra Pradhan met Kumaraswamy and suggested to form a high-powered committee to remove the obstacles in the plant's expansion. Pradhan said the proposed expansion will boost steel production capacity, reduce imports and generate employment, aligning with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'Purvodaya' vision for eastern India's development. Pradhan and Oram praised the Union Steel minister's commitment to the steel sector in Odisha, and thanked him for his support in resolving the issues hindering the plant's expansion. With an existing hot metal production capacity of 4.5 million tonne per annum (MTPA), RSP, an unit of the Steel Authority of India Limited (SAIL) had submitted a proposal to the Steel ministry for capacity expansion to 9.3 MTPA in 2021. However, the expansion plan is hanging fire due to land-related issues. A portion of the land of RSP is now under unauthorised occupation of people who have developed slums in the area. In August last year, the issue of capacity expansion of RSP was discussed when Union Steel secretary Sandeep Pondrik met Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi in Lok Seva Bhawan. Though Pondrik said SAIL is fully committed for the expansion plan, there has been no progress so far.
New Indian Express
26-06-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Bharatiya Rail: At the service of Rath Yatra Pilgrims
The holy city, the abode of Mahaprabhu, Jagannath Puri, is ready for the Rath Yatra. It is a journey of faith for the millions of devotees coming from across the globe. And Bharatiya Rail is at the service of these pilgrims, facilitating their overall experience in the Shreekshetra Puri. Last 11 years have been historic for Odisha's railway infrastructure development. Under PM Shri Narendra Modi's Purvodaya policy, Odisha's railway budget allocation has seen a twelve-time jump to over Rs 10,500 crore in 2025-26 as compared to the annual average during 2009-14. Since 2014, over 2,100 km of new tracks have been laid in Odisha - more than the entire rail network of Malaysia. Approximately Rs 73,000 crore worth of projects for constructing new tracks in Odisha are ongoing. As many as 59 Amrit stations are being developed, including 16 stations in aspirational districts. Six Vande Bharat services covering 17 districts are operational. The most special contribution of Indian Railways to Odisha is during the Rath Yatra. The railways undertakes the task of serving lakhs of Rath Yatra pilgrims every year. Ease of travel for the pilgrims There has been a four-time jump in the Rath Yatra special trains over the last 11 years. A total of 1,215 train services including 850 regular and 365 special train services are being provided this year for Jagannath Puri. These services connect many districts of Odisha including aspirational districts of Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati and Dhenkanal and interior tribal regions to Shreekshetra Puri. An AI-based real-time demand prediction system has enabled dynamic scheduling. Ten platforms are welcoming the pilgrims this year. Additional ticket counters have also been set up at Puri as well as other railway stations. A comfortable visit for a divine experience With the spirit of Seva Parmo Dharma, Bharatiya Rail ensures dignity, comfort, and security of the pilgrims during the Rath Yatra. This year marks one of the largest facilitation drives for inclusive pilgrimage travel. Railways is ready to cater to around 20 lakh passengers with a daily peak of 2 lakh. A holding space with a capacity to accommodate 25,000 pilgrims has been designated. Adequate arrangements have been made to provide relief from the hot weather. Sufficient food stalls and water booths & coolers have been arranged. An estimated 2.5 lakh free meals will be served to the pilgrims.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Time of India
Bhartiya Rail: At the service of all Rath Yatra pilgrims
1 2 3 4 The holy city, the abode of Mahaprabhu Jagannath, Puri, is ready for the Rath Yatra. It is a journey of faith for millions of devotees coming from across the globe. And Bhartiya Rail is at the service of these pilgrims, facilitating their overall experience in Shreekshetra Puri. Last 11 years have been historic for Odisha's railway infrastructure development. Under PM Shri Narendra Modi's Purvodaya policy, Odisha's railway budget allocation has seen 12 times jump to over Rs 10,500 crore in 2025-26 as compared to the annual average during 2009-14. Since 2014, over 2,100 km of new tracks have been laid in Odisha — more than the entire rail network of Malaysia. Approximately Rs 73,000 crore worth of projects for constructing new tracks in Odisha are going on. Altogether 59 Amrit stations are being developed, including 16 stations in aspirational districts. Six Vande Bharat services covering 17 districts are operational. The most special contribution of Indian Railways to Odisha is during the Rath Yatra. The railways undertakes the task of serving lakhs of Rath Yatra pilgrims every year. Ease of travel for pilgrims There has been four times jump in the Rath Yatra special trains over the last 11 years. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Topánky, ktoré si zamiluje každá žena Nakupovať teraz Undo A total of 1,215 train services, including 850 regular and 365 special train services, are being provided this year for Jagannath Puri. These services connect many districts of Odisha, including aspirational districts of Kalahandi, Balangir, Nuapada, Koraput, Rayagada, Gajapati and Dhenkanal and interior tribal regions to Shreekshetra Puri. An AI-based real-time demand prediction system has enabled dynamic scheduling. Ten platforms are welcoming the pilgrims this year. Additional ticket counters have also been set up at Puri as well as other railway stations. A comfortable visit for a divine experience With the spirit of 'Seva Parmo Dharma', Bhartiya Rail ensures dignity, comfort, and security of the pilgrims during the Rath Yatra. This year marks one of the largest facilitation drives for inclusive pilgrimage travel. The railways is ready to cater to around 20 lakh passengers with a daily peak of 2 lakh. A holding space with a capacity to accommodate 25,000 pilgrims has been designated. Adequate arrangements have been made to provide relief from the hot weather. Sufficient food stalls and water booths & coolers have been arranged. An estimated 2.5 lakh free meals will be served to the pilgrims. Sanitation and cleanliness arrangements, including modern jet cleaning machines and sewage suction trucks are also in place. A much larger pool of security personnel have been deployed for ensuring safety and security of the pilgrims. They will be supported with CCTVs, drones, and face recognition systems. Accessibility needs of Divyangjans, elderly, women, and medically vulnerable pilgrims have also been taken care of. Medical booths with doctors and paramedics, ambulances, and first-aid counters have been set up. This year, Indian Railways has converted Puri station into a model of inclusive and faith-centred public service. Special railway jacks for a special cause A team of Indian Railways, including engineers and technicians, is also deployed at the Rath Yatra. This team is responsible for ensuring smooth movement and repair work of the chariots during the Yatra. The team assists in transporting the massive chariots from the construction site to Shree Jagannath temple. The railways team uses the special screw jacks for ensuring proper positioning, alignment, and forward movement of the chariots on the designated path. It also helps in removing any obstacles and maintaining adequate distance between the chariots. The team accompanies the chariots till the completion of the Yatra. Bhartiya Rail is fondly called as the lifeline of the nation. It remains committed to the service of all Indians, including the pilgrims, who consider Rath Yatra as their lifeline. (The author is Union Minister for Railways, Electronics & Information Technology and Information & Broadcasting, Government of India)
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Pradhan proposes panel formation to resolve RSP expansion
Bhubaneswar: Union education minister on Wednesday proposed the formation of a high-level committee for resolving issues related to the expansion of Rourkela Steel Plant (RSP) in Sundargarh district. The proposal was accepted by Union steel minister during a high-level meeting held in New Delhi. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Pradhan thanked Kumaraswamy for agreeing to his suggestion. He said the expansion of RSP is crucial for India's steel sector and the industrial, social and economic development of Odisha and the rest of eastern India. "Expansion will boost our steel production capacity, strengthen India's position in the global steel market, reduce imports, cater to the needs of key industrial sectors, catalyse Odisha's economy, drive growth and create large-scale jobs in steel and allied sectors in line with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Purvodaya vision," said Pradhan. Union tribal affairs minister and Sundargarh MP Jual Oram also attended the meeting.
Time of India
20-06-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Said no to Trump invite as I had to visit land of Lord Jagannath: Modi
1 2 Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Friday finally explained the reason for declining US President Donald Trump 's recent invite for a stopover in Washington on his way back from Canada. Addressing a gathering in Bhubaneswar on Friday, PM Modi said he had to say no to Trump's invite as he did not want to miss his scheduled visit to the "land of Lord Jagannath". Speaking at an event to mark one year of Mohan Charan Majhi-led BJP govt in Odisha, Modi said, "The President of the United States called me, saying, 'Since you are in Canada, please come over. We will have a meal together and talk.' He extended a warm invitation. I thanked him for the invitation and politely declined, expressing that visiting the land of Mahaprabhu was essential for me. The devotion for Mahaprabhu and your love drew me here. " The explanation puts to rest speculations that had built up ever since foreign secretary Vikram Misri put on record that PM Modi had to skip the Trump meeting due to "prior commitments". While Majhi's first anniversary as CM was on June 12, the Odisha govt timed the main celebration on Friday to accommodate the PM's schedule. Any change in plan could have put the govt in an awkward position in a state where the BJP swept the Lok Sabha polls, winning 20 of the 21 seats, and stormed to power by winning 78 of the 147 assembly seats. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Stunning 2-Bed Senior Houses: Take A Peek Inside! GoSearches | Search Ads Undo In what was Modi's sixth visit to the state in the past one year, the PM praised Odisha's progress under the BJP govt, emphasizing the state's role in India's cultural and economic development. He highlighted various initiatives aimed at improving infrastructure, healthcare, and economic opportunities for the people of Odisha, particularly tribal communities. The PM also highlighted the significant role of eastern India in the country's growth trajectory and underscored the region's potential as a catalyst for India's progress in the 21st century. "The development of 21st century India will gain momentum from eastern India. This is the era of Purvodaya," the PM said.
