PM Modi departs for US to attend Quad Summit, address UNGA

This new project by OTM is particularly significant because it marks the introduction of Odisha’s first greenfield spinning mill in decades. The state-of-the-art mill will not only help in managing textile waste but also create value from it, thus reducing the need for incineration and landfills. By integrating advanced recycling technologies, this facility will handle textile waste from municipalities and garment industries, ensuring a more sustainable waste management system.

OTM is reportedly bringing in world class technology for textile recycling in association with Trutzschler of Germany and Balkan Textile Machinery of Turkey. Balkan is one of the leading manufacturers of textile hard waste recycling systems, whereas, Trutzschler is a renowned leader in spinning preparation machineries. For the spinning mill, OTM is in discussions with Saurer AG, Switzerland to bring in the latest in rotor as well as ring spinning technology.

In a recent collaboration with a fashion company that aimed to make use of pre-consumer waste, Trützschler achieved a ring yarn containing 60% pre-consumer waste. OTM plans to pioneer the same in Odisha.

Moreover, OTM’s mill will support local farmers by creating a demand for Odisha-grown cotton, which has long been an underutilized resource. The facility will source cotton directly from local farmers, benefiting both the agricultural and textile sectors.

This project is expected to play a pivotal role in creating a sustainable and eco-friendly textile industry in Odisha, while also providing much-needed relief to municipalities burdened by waste disposal challenges. It will also contribute to Odisha’s broader economic development, creating jobs and fostering growth in both the textile and agricultural sectors.

Aligned with the Odisha Apparel and Technical Textiles Policy-2022, OTM aims to promote and kickstart the revolution in Odisha towards circularity of textiles.

With the OTM project, Odisha is not only addressing the environmental issue of textile waste but also taking significant steps toward strengthening its local economy by promoting sustainable practices in both agriculture and manufacturing

According to the government, as many as 55 Padma Awardees will get the financial support, which would cost the State exchequer of Rs 2 crore per annum. 

Culture Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has thanked the Chief Minister and congratulated the Padma Awardees. 
Padma Shree Haladhar Nag and Padma Shree Bhagabat Pradhan, both residents of Bargarh district, have expressed happiness over the decision. 

Padma Shree Pradhan said he would now be able to meet his medicine expenditure and family expenses if provided Rs 30,000 per month. 

"I spend about Rs 4000 every month on medicine for my old age-related diseases. Artisan allowance of Rs 2,000 was not sufficient. Now I will be able to meet may all expenditure with Rs 30,000 to be availed every month from the State government," said Padma Shree Pradhan. 

"It is a very nice announcement," said Padma Shree Smt Beshra.

Padma Shree Sudarsan Pattanayak also hailed the decision. 

This is the first time in the country that a Padma awardee will be given a monthly honorarium of Rs 30,000. Union Education Minister thanked the Chief Minister for this historic and path-breaking decision. "This decision is a befitting honour to these personalities who have brought laurels to Odisha and the country with their talent," Pradhan said. 
 

Key Highlights from the Inspection:
•    Progress of Track laying: The engine rolling and testing for the track between Boudh and Purunakatak has already been successfully completed by the Construction Unit.
•    Project Completion: Out of the total 301 km stretch of the Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line, 226 km has been completed to date, with 199 km already commissioned and fit for operations.
•    Progress on New Section: A significant milestone was achieved with the completion of a 27 km stretch between Purunakatak and Boudh. In the newly constructed stretch between Purunakatak and Champapur includes 9 major bridges, 2 Road Over Bridges (ROBs), 15 Road Under Bridges (RUBs), and 35 minor bridges, all essential for facilitating safe and efficient rail operations.
•    Ongoing Construction Efforts: The rail line from Boudh to Champapur, part of the larger stretch, was completed in May 2024, and construction activities are now progressing rapidly in the remaining sections. To expedite the completion, work is being carried out from both ends simultaneously, ensuring adherence to the project's ambitious timeline.
•    Remaining Section: Of the total 301 km, the remaining 75 km section between Purunakatak and Daspalla, which includes tunnel construction through dense jungle and sanctuary areas, is progressing steadily. The completion of these tunnels is expected to be a major breakthrough for the project.

Funkwal, during his inspection, emphasized the importance of maintaining the pace of construction and ensuring that necessary passenger amenities are in place at all the proposed stations. He further expressed confidence that the project will be completed on time, despite the engineering challenges posed by the difficult terrain, particularly the tunnel sections.

As the project continues to progress, the Khurda Road-Balangir Rail Line remains a key initiative for enhancing connectivity and creating new opportunities for economic development across Odisha.