Bhubaneswar, 06 March (H.S.): In a significant move to boost private investment in major infrastructure projects in the State, a six-member team from the International Finance Corporation (IFC) visited Odisha on February 26 and 27 to explore potential collaboration under the Viksit Odisha 2036 initiative.

The visiting delegation, comprising senior Public Private Partnership (PPP) specialists and advisors, held discussions with senior officials of the State Government on strengthening the PPP ecosystem and developing a strong pipeline of infrastructure projects.

A high-level meeting was held on February 26 at Lok Seva Bhavan under the chairpersonship of Chief Secretary Smt. Anu Garg, IAS. Secretaries of key infrastructure departments, along with officials from the PPP Cell and the Finance Department, participated in the meeting.

During the discussion, the participants deliberated on sector-specific interventions required to build a robust State PPP project pipeline and enhance private sector participation in infrastructure development.

Addressing the meeting, the Chief Secretary emphasised that “Vision 2036” is critical for positioning Odisha prominently at both national and global levels. She highlighted the urgent need to identify bankable projects in priority sectors such as renewable energy, power transmission, logistics and transport, urban infrastructure, and e-mobility.

The interaction with the IFC team is expected to pave the way for strategic partnerships, technical support, and innovative financing models to accelerate infrastructure development in Odisha and advance the State’s long-term growth vision under Viksit Odisha 2036.

---------------

Hindusthan Samachar / Monalisa Panda