Odisha Set to Become a Mega IT Hub, Says Ashwini Vaishnaw

Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw announced that Odisha will be transformed into a major IT hub in the next two to three years. Following discussions with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Vaishnaw outlined plans to prepare the youth of the state through training programs in cutting-edge technologies like IT, Electronics, Semiconductor, AI, Machine Learning, IoT, and Industry 4.0. As part of this initiative, a world-class IT training institute will be set up, with the state government offering land and support for its establishment. Additionally, the ‘Chip to Startup’ program will be launched at four key technical institutions in Odisha to foster IT startups.

The Union Minister also highlighted the BJP government's commitment to invest Rs 1 lakh crore in the development of railways in Odisha, with over Rs 73,000 crore already in progress for ongoing railway projects. He mentioned that 1,827 km of railway lines had been constructed in the state over the last decade, surpassing Sri Lanka's railway network. Moreover, six Vande Bharat trains are now operational in Odisha, and 59 stations are set to be upgraded under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme.