Cuttack, Apr 17: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi highlighted the state's remarkable strides in infrastructure development and education during a speech commemorating Dr Harekrushna Mahatab's 125th birth anniversary.

Speaking passionately, CM Majhi praised Dr Mahatab, referring to him as the "Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel of Odisha" for his unparalleled contributions to the state’s growth and unity.

The Odisha Chief Minister stated that the daily road construction in Odisha has drastically increased from 14 km-a-day to 100 km-a-day, a testament to the state's focused development efforts.

He also credited Dr Harekrushna Mahatab for monumental achievements like integrating princely states, initiating the Hirakud Dam project, and transforming Bhubaneswar into the new capital of Odisha.

However, CM Majhi lamented that Dr Mahatab's immense contributions have not been adequately recognised in history books, and pledged government initiatives to honour his legacy.

Among these, the government plans to establish the Odisha Utkarsh Kendra at Ravenshaw University and set up a medical college in Bhadrak bearing Dr Mahatab's name.

The Odisha Chief Minister also pointed to reforms in the state's education sector, highlighting the implementation of strict measures against exam malpractice, including penalties of up to ₹1 crore and imprisonment for violations.

CM Majhi further outlined the state's ambition to transform Odisha into an industrial hub by 2025 under the "Utkarsh Odisha" initiative.

He expressed gratitude to Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari for announcing ₹4,000 crore worth of infrastructure projects during his visit, which will propel Odisha toward becoming a key player in national development.

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