Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday arrived at the helipad at Pahadpur village in Mayurbhanj district in a special Air Force helicopter on a one-day visit to Odisha. 

He was accorded a warm welcome by Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, along with senior ministers and administrative officials at the helipad.

The Prime Minister later proceeded to Pahadpur village in a special motorcade amid tight security. Hundreds of people gathered at the helipad and along the road to catch a glimpse of PM Modi and other dignitaries in the tribal-dominated area.

The PM will join President Droupadi Murmu, who had already reached Pahadpur village, the native village of her in-laws, to attend various programmes on the occasion of her birthday on Saturday.

The President and the Prime Minister will offer prayers at the sacred groves, Santhali Jahera and Ho Jahera, and visit a Skill Centre and Pahadpur SLS Memorial School.

The visit will highlight ongoing efforts to strengthen educational opportunities, skill development, and socio-economic empowerment in tribal and rural regions. As per the schedule, the President and Prime Minister will participate in a programme at Rairangpur in Mayurbhanj district marking the completion of two years of the Government of Odisha. The theme of the programme is “Vikas ra Dhara, Odisha Sara”.

The inauguration and foundation stone laying of various development projects worth over Rs 47,600 crore will take place during the programme. The Prime Minister will also address the gathering on the occasion.

During the programme, inauguration and foundation stone laying ceremonies will be held for projects across key sectors, including energy, industrial infrastructure, road connectivity, drinking water, health, education, tourism, and irrigation. The projects are expected to strengthen infrastructure, improve connectivity, enhance energy security, and generate employment opportunities across Odisha.

Reflecting the Prime Minister's vision of inclusive and holistic development, these initiatives will further accelerate growth in tribal and rural regions and extend the benefits of development to every corner of the State.

(IANS)