Bhubaneswar- In a major push to industrial development, the Odisha government has approved eight large-scale projects worth a staggering Rs1.51 lakh crore at the 41st High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) meeting held today. The projects are expected to generate more than 60,000 employment opportunities across six key districts of the state—Dhenkanal, Ganjam, Jajpur, Keonjhar, Khordha, and Sambalpur.
This significant move, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, marks a major milestone in the state’s ongoing industrial transformation and economic revitalisation. It also coincides with the first anniversary of the new government, which is promoting what officials call the benefits of “double-engine governance” through strong state-centre coordination.
Among the eight proposals, the standout is Vedanta Ltd’s Rs1.28 lakh crore investment to establish a 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) aluminium smelter and a 4,900 MW captive power plant in Dhenkanal district. The project is expected to create approximately 30,000 direct and indirect jobs, reinforcing Odisha’s growing stature as a global hub for aluminium production.
In the chemicals sector, SRF Ltd plans to invest Rs10,000 crore to set up a specialty chemicals and refrigerant manufacturing facility in Ganjam, with the potential to create 20,000 jobs.
In the steel and downstream metal sector- Jindal India Steel Tech Ltd will set up a Rs3,600 crore, 1.26 MTPA specialty steel plant in Dhenkanal, generating around 2,000 jobs.
Shyam Steel Manufacturing Ltd proposes a Rs2,490 crore integrated steel plant and pipe unit in Keonjhar, likely to employ 2,370 people.
Linde India Ltd will establish an Rs1,303.50 crore Air Separation Unit in Jajpur, offering high-quality industrial gases and employment to 100 individuals.
In the metal ancillary sector- Star Metal Works Pvt Ltd will invest Rs2,291 crore in Sambalpur for a narrow hot strip mill and cold rolling mill project, creating 250 jobs.
Supreme Metals Export Pvt Ltd plans a Rs1,500 crore TMT bar and wire rod rolling mill in Keonjhar, which will offer 680 jobs.
In the textile industry- Sportking India Ltd has received approval to invest Rs2,055 crore in Khordha for a cotton and blended yarn manufacturing facility with an annual capacity of 62,000 MT, generating around 4,800 jobs.
Speaking after the HLCA meeting, CM Mohan Majhi emphasized that the state has held six such high-level clearance meetings within the past year, approving a total of 62 projects worth Rs5.67 lakh crore, with the potential to create 2.42 lakh jobs.
He reiterated his government’s commitment to fast-tracking industrial projects and driving inclusive economic growth, saying, “This momentum is a step towards achieving the national goal of ‘Viksit Bharat by 2047’ and the state’s vision of ‘Samruddha Odisha by 2036’.”
With approvals in aluminium, steel, textiles, and chemicals, Odisha is emerging as a preferred destination for mega investors looking to leverage the state’s rich natural resources, industrial corridors, and proactive policy environment.
Officials also highlighted that these projects will not only boost employment but also lead to infrastructure development, skills enhancement, and growth in downstream industries—creating a broader industrial ecosystem across the state.
As Odisha advances on its path of industrial resurgence, the recent HLCA decisions underline the state’s ambitions to become one of India’s foremost industrial powerhouses.