Bhubaneswar: Union IT minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, during a discussion with chief minister Mohan Majhi on Thursday, disclosed that a proposal to establish a world-class IT training institute in Odisha is under consideration. Majhi assured that land and other necessary support will be provided for the institute. The duo discussed the development of railway connectivity and the IT industry in Odisha on the sidelines of the Pravasi Bharatiya Divas here.
The chief minister also sought the Union minister’s collaboration for establishing a semiconductor industry in Odisha. He also requested support to attract more IT companies to invest in the state. Vaishnaw promised all necessary assistance and encouragement. The Union minister stated that Odisha will be transformed into a mega IT hub, with all necessary measures being taken.
He added that the ‘Chip to Startup’ program is being implemented in four institutions — IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela, IIIT Bhubaneswar and Parala Maharaja Engineering College, Berhampur — for IT startup development in Odisha.
They also discussed the development of railway projects in Odisha. Presently, 48 new railway projects are under construction in Odisha, with an investment of Rs 73,723 crore. Among these, eight new projects were recently approved by the Union Cabinet.
These eight projects include the new lines in the routes of Gunupur-Therubali, Junagarh-Nabarangpur, Malkangiri-Pandurangapuram (via Bhadrachalam), Badampahar-Kendujhargarh, Bangiriposi-Gorumahisani, Buramara-Chakulia, the new double line from Saradega-Bhalumunda, and the Bargarh Road-Nuapada Road line.
Vaishnaw told Majhi that many more new railway projects will be undertaken in Odisha over the next five years. “From 2014 to 2024, the railways constructed 1,827 km railway lines in Odisha, surpassing Sri Lanka’s railway network. During this period, 427 railway under-bridges were also built. While six Vande Bharat trains are operating in Odisha, 59 stations will be upgraded under the Amrit Bharat station scheme,” Vaishnaw said.
Discussions on ensuring that more people from Odisha can attend the Maha Kumbh Mela were also held between the two.