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PM addresses public function in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh after dedicating Phase I of the Mahakaal Lok Project to the nation

Published By : Admin | October 11, 2022 | 20:00 IST
Performs pooja, aarti and darshan at Mahakaal
“Ujjain has led India's wealth and prosperity, knowledge and dignity, civilization and literature for thousands of years”
“Every particle of Ujjain is engulfed in spirituality, and it transmits ethereal energy in every nook and corner”
“In order to reach the pinnacle of success, it is necessary that the nation touches its cultural heights and stands proudly with its identity”
“In the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, India has called for Panch Prans like ‘freedom from the mentality of slavery’ and ‘pride in our heritage’”
“I believe, the development of our Jyotirlingas is the development of India's spiritual light, the development of India's knowledge and philosophy”
“Cultural philosophy of India is once again reaching the summit and getting ready to guide the world”
“India has remained immortal for thousands of years due to its spiritual confidence”
“Religion for India means collective determination of our duties”
“New India of today is moving forward with its ancient values while also reviving the tradition of science and research along with faith”
“India is restoring its glory and prosperity, the whole world and whole humanity will benefit from this” “Divinity of India will pave the way for a peaceful world.”

The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi addressed a public function after dedicating Phase I of the Mahakaal Lok Project to the nation, and performing pooja and aarti at the inner sanctum of the Mahakaal temple, in Ujjain, Madhya Pradesh. The Prime Minister was felicitated upon his arrival. This was followed by Stuti Gaan of Shri Mahakaal by renowned singer Shri Kailash Kher and a light, sound and fragrance show.

The Prime Minister began his address by hailing Lord Mahakal and said, “ Jai Mahakaal! This energy of Ujjain, this enthusiasm! This aura of Avantika, this wonderfulness, this bliss! This glory of Mahakal, this greatness! There is nothing worldly in 'Mahakaal Lok'. There is nothing ordinary in the company of Shankar. Everything is supernatural and extraordinary. It is unforgettable and unbelievable.” The Prime Minister said that if one receives the blessings of Mahakaal, then the existence of Kaal (time) ceases, the boundaries of time dissolve, and the journey from nothingness to infinity begins.

The Prime Minister said that Ujjain has not only been the centre of India according to astrological calculation but it has been the centre of India’s soul too. Ujjain is a city that is counted among the seven sacred puris and a place where Lord Krishna himself came for education. Ujjain has seen the splendour of King Vikramaditya and the beginning of India’s golden age. The Prime Minister remarked that Ujjain has gathered history in itself. “Every particle of Ujjain is engulfed in spirituality, and it transmits ethereal energy in every nook and corner.” The Prime Minister continued, “Ujjain has led India's wealth and prosperity, knowledge and dignity, civilization and literature for thousands of years.”

The Prime Minister explained, “In order to reach the pinnacle of success, it is necessary that the nation touches its cultural heights and stands proudly with its identity.” Continuing with the importance of cultural confidence, the Prime Minister said ”the cultural splendour of a nation is so vast only when the flag of its success is fluttering on the world stage. And, to reach the pinnacle of success, it is also necessary that the nation touches its cultural excellence, and stands proudly with its identity.” “That is why in the Azadi Ka Amrit Kaal, India has called for Panch Prans like “freedom from the mentality of slavery” and “pride in our heritage”, he added. For the same purpose, development work on the grand Ram Mandir in Ayodhya is going at a rapid pace. “Vishwanath Dham in Kashi is adding pride to the cultural capital of India. Development works are setting new records in Somnath. With the blessings of Baba Kedar in Uttarakhand, new chapters of development are being written in the Kedarnath-Badrinath pilgrimage area. For the first time after independence, our four Dhams are going to connect with All Weather Roads through the Chardham Project”, the Prime Minister said. “The pride of many such centres of our spiritual consciousness is being restored across the country with the help of Swadesh Darshan and Prasad Yojana. And now in this series, this grand 'Mahakaal Lok' is also ready to welcome the future with the glory of the past”, the Prime Minister added.

The Prime Minister explained his concept of the importance of Jyotirlingas. He said “I believe, this development of our Jyotirlingas is the development of India's spiritual light, the development of India's knowledge and philosophy. This cultural philosophy of India is once again reaching the summit and getting ready to guide the world.” The Prime Minister explained that Lord Mahakal is the only Jyotirlinga which is facing south and these are such forms of Shiva, whose Bhasma Aarti is famous all over the world. “Every devotee definitely wants to see Bhasma Aarti in his life. I also see the vitality and vibrancy of our India in this tradition”, Shri Modi added.

Talking about Lord Shiva, the Prime Minister said “Soyam Bhootim Vibhushanah”, that is, the one who wears the ashes is also 'sarvadhimpah always'. He is also eternal and indestructible. Therefore, where there is a Mahakal, there are no boundaries of periods. “In the refuge of Mahakal, there is vibration even in poison. In the presence of Mahakal, there is a revival even from the end”, he added.

Further elaborating on the role of the spiritual in the nation’s life, Shri Modi said “It is the spiritual confidence of our civilization, due to which India has remained immortal for thousands of years. As long as these centres of our faith are awakened, the consciousness of India is awakened, and the soul of India is awakened.

Recalling history, the Prime Minister talked about invaders like Iltutmish who made efforts to destroy the energy of Ujjain. Shri Modi also recalled the efforts that have been made to exploit India in the past. Shri Modi said quoting our sages and rishis,” What will death do to us in the shelter of Mahakal Shiva? He continued, “India was revived, then rose again from the energy of these authentic centres of faith. Today once again, in the Azadi Ka Amrit Mahotsav, Amar Avantika is proclaiming the cultural immortality of India.”.

Throwing light on what religion means to India, the Prime Minister underlined that it is a collective determination of our duties. “The goal of our resolutions is the welfare of the world, and service to mankind.” Shri Modi reiterated that we worship Lord Shiva, and bow to the Vishwapati who is engaged in the welfare of the whole world in many ways. “This has always been the spirit of the pilgrimages, temples, monasteries and faith centres of India”, he added. “How many inspirations can come out here for the good of the world, for the benefit of the world?”, Shri Modi exclaimed.

Talking about spirituality and education, the Prime Minister pointed out that spiritual centres like Kashi have been the capital of knowledge, philosophy and art along with religion, and places like Ujjain have been the centres of research related to astronomy. The Prime Minister further explained that the New India of today is moving forward with its ancient values while also reviving the tradition of science and research along with faith. “Today we are standing equal to the big powers of the world in the field of astronomy.” Throwing light on India’s space missions like Chandrayaan and Gaganyaan the Prime Minister remarked that today India is also launching satellites of other countries into space. “India is ready to take that leap in the sky”, Shri Modi added, “In the field of defence, India is moving towards self-reliance with full force. From sports to startups the youth of India are showcasing their talent on the world stage.”

The Prime Minister said, “Where there is innovation, there will be renovation.” Remarking on the losses incurred during the years of slavery, the Prime Minister said that” India is reclaiming its glory by renovating the places of its pride, honour and legacy.” He further added that the entire country as well as humanity will reap its benefits. Concluding the address, the Prime Minister said, “With the blessings of Mahakal, the grandeur of India will create new possibilities of development in the world and the divinity of India will pave the way for a peaceful world.”

Earlier today, the Prime Minister dedicated Phase I of the Mahakal Lok Project to the nation at Shri Mahakal Lok in Ujjain.Governor of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Mangubhai Patel, Governor of Chhattisgarh, Shri Anusuiya Uikey, Governor of Jharkhand, Shri Ramesh Bains, Chief Minister of Madhya Pradesh, Shri Shivraj Singh Chauhan, Union Ministers Narendra Singh Tomar, Dr.Virendra Kumar, Shri Jyotiraditya Scindia and Shri G Kishan Reddy, Union Ministers of State, Shri Faggan Singh Kulaste and Shri Prahlad Patel were those present on the occasion among others.

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Cabinet approves Rs 1,526.21 crore upgrade of NH-326 in Odisha
December 31, 2025

The Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today approved the widening and strengthening of existing 2-Lane to 2-Lane with Paved Shoulder from Km 68.600 to Km 311.700 of NH-326 in the State of Odisha under NH(O) on EPC mode.

Financial implications:

The total capital cost for the project is Rs.1,526.21 crore, which includes a civil construction cost of Rs.966.79 crore.

Benefits:

The upgradation of NH-326 will make travel faster, safer, and more reliable, resulting in overall development of southern Odisha, particularly benefiting the districts of Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput. Improved road connectivity will directly benefit local communities, industries, educational institutions, and tourism centres by enhancing access to markets, healthcare, and employment opportunities, thereby contributing to the region’s inclusive growth.

Details:

  • The section of Mohana–Koraput of the National Highway (NH-326) at present have sub-standard geometry (intermediate lane/2-lane, many deficient curves and steep gradients); the existing road alignment, carriageway width and geometric deficiencies constrain safe, efficient movement of heavy vehicles and reduce freight throughput to coastal ports and industrial centres. These constraints will be removed by upgrading the corridor to 2-lane with paved shoulders with geometric corrections (curve realignments and gradient improvements), removal of black spots and pavement strengthening, enabling safe and uninterrupted movement of goods and passengers and reducing vehicle operating costs.
  • The upgradation will provide direct and improved connectivity from Mohana–Koraput into major economic and logistics corridors — linking with NH-26, NH-59, NH-16 and the Raipur–Visakhapatnam corridor and improving last-mile access to Gopalpur port, Jeypore airport and several railway stations. The corridor connects important industrial and logistic nodes (JK Paper, Mega Food Park, NALCO, IMFA, Utkal Alumina, Vedanta, HAL) and education/tourism hubs (Central University of Odisha, Koraput Medical College, Taptapani, Rayagada), thereby facilitating faster freight movement, reducing travel time and enabling regional economic development.
  • The project lies in southern Odisha (districts of Gajapati, Rayagada and Koraput) and will significantly improve intra-state and inter-state connectivity by making vehicle movement faster and safer, stimulating industrial and tourism growth and improving access to services in aspirational and tribal areas. Economic analysis shows the project’s EIRR at 17.95% (base case) while the financial return (FIRR) is negative (-2.32%), reflecting the social and non-market benefits captured in the economic appraisal; the economic justification is driven largely by travel-time and vehicle-operating-cost savings and safety benefits (including an estimated travel-time saving of about 2.5–3.0 hours and a distance saving of ~12.46 km between Mohana and Koraput after geometric improvements).

Implementation strategy and targets:

  • The work will be implemented on EPC mode. Contractors will be required to adopt proven construction and quality-assurance technologies, which may include precast box-type structures and precast drains, precast RCC/PSC girders for bridges and grade separators, precast crash barriers and friction slabs on Reinforced-Earth wall portions, and Cement Treated Sub-Base (CTSB) in pavement layers. Quality and progress will be verified through specialized survey and monitoring tools such as Network Survey Vehicle (NSV), periodic drone-mapping. Day-to-day supervision will be carried out by an appointed Authority Engineer and project monitoring will be conducted through the Project Monitoring Information System (PMIS).
  • The work is targeted to be completed in 24 months from the appointed date for each package, followed by a five-year defect liability/maintenance period (total contract engagement envisaged as 7 years: 2 years construction + 5 years DLP). Contract award will follow after completion of statutory clearances and required land possession.

Major impact, including employment generation potential:

  • This project is aimed at providing faster and safer movement of traffic and improving connectivity between the southern and eastern parts of Odisha, particularly linking the districts of Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput with the rest of the State and neighbouring Andhra Pradesh. The improved road network will facilitate industrial growth, promote tourism, enhance access to education and healthcare facilities, and contribute to the overall socio-economic development of the tribal and backward regions of southern Odisha.
  • Various activities undertaken during the construction and maintenance period are expected to generate significant direct and indirect employment opportunities for skilled, semi-skilled and unskilled workers. The project will also boost local industries involved in the supply of construction materials, transportation, equipment maintenance, and related services, thus supporting the regional economy.
  • The project is located in the State of Odisha and traverses three districts — Gajapati, Rayagada, and Koraput. The corridor connects major towns such as Mohana, Rayagada, Laxmipur, and Koraput, providing improved intra-state connectivity within Odisha and enhancing inter-state linkage with Andhra Pradesh through the southern end of NH-326.

Background:

Government has declared the stretch “the Highway starting from its junction with NH-59 near Aska, passing through Mohana, Raipanka, Amalabhata, Rayagada, Laxmipur and terminating at its junction with NH-30 near Chinturu in the State of Odisha” as NH-326 vide Gazette Notification dated 14th August 2012.