Bhubaneswar: Odisha is poised to become the powerhouse of India’s economic growth, as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi outlined ambitious plans during the Utkarsh Odisha-Make in Odisha Conclave 2025. The event, the first under the new BJP-led government, marked a major milestone in the state’s journey toward industrial expansion and sustainable development.
The conclave witnessed an overwhelming response from investors, with 145 Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) signed across 16 diverse sectors. These agreements, totaling an investment of ₹12.89 lakh crore, spanned industries such as chemicals, petrochemicals, textiles, mining, metallurgy, renewable energy, IT, tourism, and food processing. Additionally, the event received 448 investment intention forms, pushing the overall investment commitment to a staggering ₹16.73 lakh crore across 593 projects. The projects, spread across all 30 districts of Odisha, are expected to create a large number of employment opportunities, reinforcing the state’s commitment to balanced economic progress.
Odisha’s Economic Transformation
Speaking at the event, CM Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized the significance of the conclave in reshaping Odisha’s economic landscape. He credited Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision for inspiring a ‘double-engine’ growth model, where the state and central governments work in tandem to accelerate development.
“Odisha has always been known for its steel and mining industries, but this time, we have expanded our focus to global opportunities, including renewable energy and semiconductor manufacturing,” Majhi stated. He highlighted a groundbreaking semiconductor project whose foundation stone was laid during the event in the presence of Union IT Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw.
The state also strengthened international ties, with delegations from 16 countries, including the United States, Italy, Japan, Indonesia, Malaysia, and Australia, attending the summit. A notable moment came when an American company proposed a ₹7,500 crore investment, underscoring Odisha’s growing appeal as a global investment destination.
Massive Industrial Investments Across Sectors
Among the major investment commitments, POSCO and the JSW Group signed an MoU worth ₹30,000 crore to establish a steel plant with an initial production capacity of 5 million tonnes, later expanding to 12 million tonnes. Other major industrial players, including Vedanta (₹1 lakh crore) and Essar Group (₹92,000 crore), also announced significant investment plans in Odisha’s port and mining sectors.
Infrastructure and Connectivity Boom
The state is also witnessing a massive infrastructure push, with new railway projects worth ₹73,000 crore in progress. The Centre has allocated ₹22,000 crore for road development, with an additional ₹50,000 crore expected for further enhancements. Major highways are being expanded from four-lane to six-lane and six-lane to eight-lane corridors, ensuring seamless connectivity for industries and boosting logistics efficiency.
Additionally, Odisha is tapping into its 500-km-long coastline to develop its port infrastructure. While Paradip, Dhamra, and Gopalpur ports are already operational, the government is working on six to seven new ports, in collaboration with the central government, to further enhance trade and commerce.
Rural and Women-Centric Development
In a significant move to empower rural communities, the government is leveraging the ‘One District, One Product’ policy, which focuses on agriculture, food processing, handloom, and handicrafts. The MSME sector is also receiving a boost through strategic investments and policy support.
Women’s empowerment remains a key priority, with ₹20,000 crore allocated under the Subhadra Yojana to provide financial assistance of ₹10,000 to one crore women. Majhi believes that if even 70% of these women engage in entrepreneurial activities, it will significantly contribute to Odisha’s economic growth.
Job Creation on a Massive Scale
The conclave is expected to generate a minimum of 500,000 jobs, with projections suggesting an even higher employment impact. Additionally, the government has committed to creating 150,000 government jobs, further strengthening employment opportunities in the state.
A Vision for 2036: Odisha’s Centennial Dream
Looking ahead, CM Majhi expressed his ambitious vision for Odisha’s future. With the state set to complete 100 years in 2036, the government aims to build a ‘Samruddha (Prosperous) Odisha, Viksit (Developed) Odisha’, making it a key contributor to India’s economic aspirations.
“Our state will be the growth engine for Viksit Bharat,” Majhi asserted, underscoring Odisha’s transformation from a resource-rich state to an industrial and economic powerhouse.
With an unprecedented inflow of investments, robust infrastructure expansion, and strategic policy initiatives, Odisha is undoubtedly on its way to emerging as one of India’s most dynamic economic hubs.
For more details on Odisha’s vision for the future, visit CM Launches Web Portal for Odisha Vision 2036-2047, Invites Public Input.
