On Thursday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the expanded Tata Steel Kalinganagar (TSK) plant, increasing its crude steel capacity from 3 to 8 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The inauguration took place at the Kalinganagar plant in Jajpur district, attended by senior state officials, community members, Tata Steel CEO & MD T. V. Narendran, and other senior leadership figures.

Present at the event were Pradeep Bal Samanta, Minister for Co-operation, Handlooms, Textiles & Handicrafts; Sampad Chandra Swain, Minister for Industries, Skill Development & Technical Education; and Dr. Rabindra Narayan Behera, Member of Parliament for Jajpur.

This state-of-the-art facility represents a significant advancement in Tata Steel’s mission to create a sustainable, technology-driven steel manufacturing ecosystem that promotes inclusive growth. T. V. Narendran remarked, “Kalinganagar is more than just a manufacturing site; it embodies the power of collaboration among communities, government, and industry. This expansion underscores our faith in Odisha’s potential and our long-term commitment to the state. We are grateful to the Hon’ble Chief Minister, the people of Odisha, and the Government of India for their steadfast support. Together, we are not just producing steel, but also fostering a stronger, self-reliant India.”

Recognized as one of India’s most advanced integrated steel plants, Tata Steel Kalinganagar contributes to the government’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative by producing world-class steel vital for sectors such as defense, automotive, infrastructure, engineering, capital goods, oil & gas, renewable energy, and shipbuilding.

The new blast furnace at Kalinganagar, the largest in India with a volume of 5,870 m³, features innovative technology for extended campaign life and an eco-friendly design aimed at optimizing the steelmaking process. It employs four top combustion stoves—a first in India—alongside two preheating stoves to ensure efficient fuel consumption in hot metal production.

Additional facilities included in the Phase II expansion at Kalinganagar are the Pellet Plant, Coke Plant, and Cold Rolling Mill, each equipped with cutting-edge technologies and sustainable practices.

In a significant ceremony held in Karamtoli, Ranchi, Chief Minister Hemant Soren inaugurated the foundation stone for a 520-bed hostel dedicated to tribal students, emphasizing improved living and educational conditions. This initiative is part of the Tribal College Campus and reflects the state’s renewed commitment to enhance education for marginalized youth.

“This is not merely a hostel; it will serve as a home of dreams,” stated Soren, assuring students that the government will take accountability for their essential needs, including food, housing, and dignity. The hostel aims to provide three nutritious meals daily, staffed residential support, and secure, well-maintained facilities to foster academic focus.

In addition to the hostel, the Chief Minister announced plans to establish a public library in every district of Jharkhand, each named after Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. These libraries will serve as active hubs for reading, research, and intellectual growth, rather than mere symbolic honors. “Ambedkar’s legacy deserves to be celebrated through institutions, not just statues,” Soren emphasized.

This initiative is part of a broader shift in the state’s educational policy, moving from welfare to empowerment. Many welfare hostels in Jharkhand, previously neglected, are now undergoing renovations to enhance sanitation, safety, and staffing, aimed at restoring public trust in state-run facilities.

At the school level, the government-run CM Schools of Excellence are achieving commendable results, with numerous students scoring above 90% this year. More parents are now opting for these schools over private institutions due to improved facilities and dedicated educators. “This subtle shift represents one of Jharkhand’s most compelling education narratives,” Soren remarked.

To aid students seeking higher education, the government has broadened initiatives like free coaching and digital classes for competitive exams. The Guruji Credit Card Yojana, which offers up to ₹15 lakh in collateral-free education loans, has empowered many from underprivileged backgrounds to pursue degrees in fields such as medicine, law, and engineering.

The event was attended by Minister Champa Linda, Rajya Sabha MP Mahua Maji, Chief Secretary Alka Tiwari, along with senior officials including Kripanand Jha, Arwa Rajkamal, and Welfare Commissioner Ajay Nath Jha. Their participation underscored the government’s commitment to viewing education as a fundamental pillar of development, rather than an act of charity.

Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr. Mohan Yadav praised Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his vision in advancing railway infrastructure throughout the nation. He announced on Thursday that Vande Bharat train coaches will soon be produced in Bhopal.

Dr. Yadav made this statement during a nationwide function where the Prime Minister virtually inaugurated 103 redeveloped railway ‘Amrit Stations’ across India.

These stations, upgraded in 86 districts spanning 18 states and union territories, represent an investment of approximately Rs 1,100 crore. Among these, six stations in Madhya Pradesh were also inaugurated, including Narmadapuram, Katni South, Shridham, Shajapur, Seoni, and Orchha, with a total redevelopment cost of Rs 84 crore.

The Chief Minister emphasized that the development and enhancement of railway facilities are being carried out nationwide under the Prime Minister’s leadership, particularly through the ‘Amrit Bharat Station Scheme’. He expressed pride in the upcoming manufacturing of Vande Bharat train coaches in Bhopal.