Monday, August 28 2006 12:16 Hrs (IST) - World Time -

Bhubaneswar: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh arrived here today (Aug 28, 2006) on a two-day visit to Orissa during which he will dedicate the 3,000 MW Talcher thermal power station to the nation and visit Bolangir and Koraput districts.

He was received by Governor Rameswar Thakur, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik and senior officials at the Bhubaneswar airport amid rain and elaborate security arrangements.

Manmohan Singh, who is here for the first time since he took over as prime minister, will Monday visit the 3,000 MW Talcher power station - the country's largest - in Kaniha in Angul district. It has six 500 MW units.

The project, developed by National Thermal Power Corp (NTPC), will supply power to eastern and southern regions of the country.

The prime minister returns to Bhubaneswar in the afternoon. He is to later lay the foundation of the proposed National Institute of Science Education and Research (NISER) here.

He is also slated to visit Bolangir and Sunabeda in Koraput district where he will meet the collectors.