India Achieves ‘Swadeshi 4G’ Milestone as PM Modi Commissions Nearly 1 Lakh BSNL Towers from Jharsuguda
Jharsuguda, Odisha – Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated and laid the foundation stone for multiple development projects valued at over ₹60,000 crore from Jharsuguda, Odisha. The massive package spans critical sectors including telecommunications, railways, higher education, healthcare, skill development, and rural housing.
In a landmark achievement for the country’s self-reliance push, the Prime Minister formally launched the nation’s fully indigenous 4G technology stack, commissioning over 97,500 new 4G mobile towers established by BSNL. These towers, built at an approximate cost of ₹37,000 crore, position India among a select group of nations capable of developing and supporting their own telecom networks.
Addressing the gathering, the Prime Minister hailed the achievement, stating, “It is a matter of pride that BSNL has developed fully indigenous 4G technology in our own country. With its hard work and expertise, BSNL has created a new chapter in history,” and predicted that India would become the global hub of telecom technology. He added that the rollout would extend high-speed internet connectivity to an additional 30,000 villages, fostering digital inclusion.
In a boost to regional connectivity, PM Modi also flagged off the new Amrit Bharat Express train, connecting Berhampur in Odisha with Udhna at Surat in Gujarat. The new service will link multiple states, including Odisha, Andhra Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Maharashtra, and Gujarat.
Highlighting the momentum of development in the state, the Prime Minister stated that Odisha is “moving speedily ahead through a double-engine government.” He also announced the Central government’s approval of two new semiconductor units for Odisha and plans for a dedicated semiconductor park to advance the state’s industrial and technological growth.
Healthcare Upgrades: Foundation stones were laid for the upgradation of MKCG Medical College in Berhampur and VIMSAR in Burla-Sambalpur into world-class super-speciality hospitals. The plans involve enhanced hospital beds, new trauma care units, dental colleges, and improved maternal and child care facilities.
Rural Welfare: The Prime Minister distributed sanction orders to over 97,500 beneficiaries under the Antyodaya Gruha Yojana, a scheme for providing pucca houses to vulnerable rural families.
Odisha Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati and Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi were present at the event in Jharsuguda. Chief Minister Majhi lauded the Prime Minister, calling him the world’s most popular leader and a source of inspiration for the 4.5 crore people of Odisha. Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw and Union Jal Shakti Minister C. R. Patil joined the ceremony virtually from Udhna railway station.
