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Odisha: The New Sunrise in the Industrial Horizon 

In line with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat by 2047” and Odisha’s ambition of “Samruddha Odisha by 2036”, the leadership by the People’s CM is guiding the state towards inclusive, sustainable, and impactful industrial growth.

The rise of Odisha is not just a moment in history; it embodies a continuous narrative of cultural pride, resilience, and unity. Today, Odisha under the visionary leadership of its ‘People’s CM’, stands out as a vibrant blend of ancient customs and modern innovations. The state is renowned for its natural beauty, featuring stunning beaches, verdant forests, and the magnificent temples of Bhubaneswar and Puri. Its cultural celebrations, such as the annual Rath Yatra and various local fairs, draw visitors from across the globe, each paying tribute to a heritage that has long cherished its identity. Odisha is among the fastest-growing economies in India, consistently exceeding the national average in recent years. To attract more investments from both domestic and international sources, the state is actively leveraging global partnerships to shift from a primarily agrarian economy to a leading industrial center, propelled by its progressive policies.

Our state is swiftly evolving into a major industrial hub in eastern India, thanks to our favorable natural resources and strategic location. Odisha’s government has been harnessing these natural advantages through innovative policies, efficient governance, and technological progress. Recently, the state has taken the initiative in drawing investments in emerging sectors such as green hydrogen and green energy, PCPIR, skill development, fintech innovations, artificial intelligence, and ecosystem transformation, among others. It has become a priority for the CM’s team to elevate Odisha into a developed state and a key contributor to India’s advancement, in line with the Prime Minister’s vision of Poorvodaya. Considering that Odisha is mainly an agrarian state, with three-fourths of its population dependent on agriculture, it is crucial to balance industrial growth with the needs of the agricultural sector. In this context, the state government has made agro-based and food processing industries a top priority.

In addition to meeting industrial needs, the Deputy Chief Minister KV Singhdeo emphasized the significance of renewable energy for rural Odisha, stating it is essential for providing direct access to “affordable, reliable power.” By solar enabled agriculture and aiming for 100% solar-powered feeders by 2047, Odisha can alleviate the financial strain on farmers and reduce reliance on diesel. The Odisha government aims to establish 11 gigawatts (GW) of renewable energy capacity by 2030 and is on track to achieve this goal. This target includes 7.5 GW of solar energy, 2 GW of wind energy, 1.2 GW of pumped storage, and 0.26 GW of small hydro. According to the Deputy Chief Minister, nearly 70% of the ₹3 lakh crore green-energy investment pipeline is expected to come from private investors. The Odisha government has been proactive in creating one of India’s most investor-friendly environments, featuring single-window clearances, a dedicated land bank, upfront land-use conversion, and incentives for open access and transmission, among other initiatives.

The state government’s focus encompasses solar, wind, biomass, small hydro, and the emerging field of green hydrogen. Floating solar, which involves installing solar panels on floating structures in water bodies, has a potential capacity of 5,000 MW. We are linking this to guaranteed offtake through GRIDCO, while also exploring wind corridors in Koraput, Ganjam, and Balasore, as well as new biogas plants and expanded hydro sites, all of which are pivotal for attracting investment directly into rural Odisha. Recently, the state government organized a three-day Global Energy Leaders’ Summit 2025 in Puri, commencing on Friday (December 5). The summit aimed to establish a forward-looking agenda focused on sufficiency, balance, and innovation, rather than merely functioning as a conventional investor meeting.

The Odisha government has approved a new wave of significant industrial investments, furthering the state’s ambition to become a key manufacturing and energy center, according to PTI reports. These approvals highlight the administration’s commitment to long-term economic growth, job creation, and diversification across sectors. During a meeting of the High-Level Clearance Authority led by People’s CM Shri Mohan Charan Majhi, seven projects with a total investment of ₹55,783 crore were authorized. These initiatives are projected to create 14,507 jobs in various districts, including Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Keonjhar, and Khurda. The sanctioned projects span a diverse array of industries, including steel, rare earth manufacturing, automobiles and auto-components, semiconductors, industrial gases, ferroalloys, and both conventional and renewable energy. The most substantial proposal comes from Saffron Resources Private Limited, a company under the JSW Group, which intends to invest ₹35,000 crore to establish a steel plant in Dhenkanal with a capacity of 6 million tonnes per annum. This single project is anticipated to generate approximately 8,000 jobs.In the rare earth manufacturing sector, Jindal Poly Films Limited plans to invest ₹12,000 crore in Ganjam to create a titanium dioxide pigment manufacturing facility with a capacity of 0.5 MTPA, which is expected to provide around 4,000 jobs. Odisha’s automotive and auto-components sector will also expand with a ₹1,697 crore investment in Ganjam for a facility that will produce tyres, carbon black, and zinc oxide, projected to employ 685 individuals. High-tech manufacturing is set to receive a boost as Sancode Semi Private Limited plans to establish an outsourced semiconductor assembly and testing (OSAT) unit in Khurda. This project involves an investment of ₹1,649.98 crore and is expected to create 570 jobs. Additionally, Inox Air Products Private Limited has proposed a ₹1,300 crore air separation unit in Dhenkanal, which will cater to the demand for industrial gases and generate 180 jobs.

In the ferroalloys industry, Ferro Alloys Corporation Limited is set to invest Rs 2,000 crore in Keonjhar to create facilities for Ferro Manganese, Silico Manganese, and manganese ore beneficiation, along with a 100 MW Captive Power Plant, which will generate 772 job opportunities. Moreover, GMR Kamalanga Energy Limited plans to invest Rs 2,136.02 crore to establish a 350 MW thermal power plant in Dhenkanal, which will create 300 jobs and enhance the state’s power infrastructure. The projects sanctioned during the 43rd HLCA meeting underscore Odisha’s ongoing commitment to industrial diversification, technology-led growth, and equitable regional development. With prompt decision-making and investor-friendly policies, the state is progressively becoming a favored destination for both established and emerging sectors. In line with the national vision of “Viksit Bharat by 2047” and Odisha’s ambition of “Samruddha Odisha by 2036”, the leadership by the People’s CM is guiding the state towards inclusive, sustainable, and impactful industrial growth.

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About Dr Girish P Swain

The author is an acclaimed Motivational Speaker, Traiiner and Columnis
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