The President of India, Droupadi Murmu, inaugurated multiple public infrastructure projects in Rourkela, Odisha, on April 21, 2026. The developments include a Planetarium and Science Centre, Nirmal Munda Parivesh Path, a Tribal Museum, and an Integrated Command and Control Centre.

The inauguration ceremony was held in Rourkela, a major industrial and cultural hub in eastern India. The projects aim to strengthen science education, preserve tribal heritage, and improve urban management systems.

Focus on Science Education and Urban Development

The newly inaugurated Planetarium and Science Centre is expected to promote scientific learning and public engagement, especially among students. The Integrated Command and Control Centre is designed to support smart city operations, including traffic management, surveillance, and emergency response.

Officials say such infrastructure aligns with broader efforts to modernize urban governance and improve service delivery in growing cities.

Tribal Heritage and Regional Identity Highlighted

The Tribal Museum aims to showcase the traditions, art, and cultural practices of indigenous communities in the region. Sundargarh district, where Rourkela is located, is known for its rich tribal heritage and natural landscapes.

During her address, the President highlighted the cultural diversity and natural beauty of the region, noting its forests, rivers, and longstanding traditions. She also emphasized the role of Rourkela as a cosmopolitan city where people from different parts of India live and work.

Development Linked to Inclusive Growth Goals

The President stated that inclusive development remains central to national progress, with a focus on tribal welfare and economic upliftment. Government initiatives, she said, are targeting development in tribal-dominated districts like Sundargarh.

She also referenced long-term national goals, including India’s vision to become a developed nation by 2047, alongside Odisha’s milestone of 100 years of statehood in 2036.