Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Tuesday laid the foundation stone and inaugurated several development projects worth Rs 3,800 crore in Bhubaneswar, Odisha.

One of the key initiatives was the release of the first installment of financial assistance to nearly 10 lakh beneficiaries under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Gramin (PMAY-G) across 14 states. As part of the event, ‘Griha Pravesh’ celebrations were held for 26 lakh beneficiaries of PMAY, both Gramin and Urban.

During the ceremony, PM Modi handed over house keys to beneficiaries and launched the Awaas+ 2024 app, aimed at surveying additional households eligible for PMAY-G. He also unveiled the Operational Guidelines for Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0.

A key highlight was the launch of ‘SUBHADRA,’ Odisha’s largest women-centric flagship scheme. This initiative, targeting over 1 crore women, will provide eligible beneficiaries aged 21 to 60 with Rs 50,000 over five years, from 2024 to 2029. The amount, disbursed in two equal annual installments of Rs 10,000, will be directly credited to Aadhaar-linked, DBT-enabled bank accounts. At the launch, PM Modi initiated the transfer of funds to more than 10 lakh women.

Additionally, the Prime Minister laid the foundation stone and dedicated railway projects worth over Rs 2,800 crore, aimed at improving Odisha’s rail infrastructure and enhancing regional connectivity. He also inaugurated National Highway projects valued at over Rs 1,000 crore.

Earlier in the day, PM Modi, accompanied by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, interacted with beneficiaries of PM Awas Yojana-Urban in Bhubaneswar, visiting several homes and listening to their concerns.

(With ANI input)