Massive Investment Influx at Enterprise Odisha 2026 Event in Rourkela
The industrial landscape of western Odisha witnessed a transformative moment as the 'Enterprise Odisha 2026' event in Rourkela announced investment proposals exceeding Rs 52,000 crore, with the potential to create more than 20,000 employment opportunities. This significant development underscores the growing investor confidence in the region, marking a pivotal shift in Odisha's economic trajectory.
Chief Minister Inaugurates Projects Worth Rs 8,884 Crore
During the event, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated and laid foundation stones for projects totaling Rs 8,884 crore. Specifically, 11 industrial projects with a combined investment of Rs 5,708 crore were inaugurated, generating employment for 4,183 people. Additionally, nine projects worth Rs 3,176 crore were grounded, creating jobs for 2,649 individuals.
This event was part of the Chief Minister's two-day tour of western Odisha, where he unveiled projects involving investments of approximately Rs 35,000 crore. Earlier in Sambalpur, he had launched projects worth nearly Rs 27,000 crore, further emphasizing the government's commitment to regional development.
Western Odisha: From Frontier to Core Engine of Growth
Addressing the gathering in Rourkela, Chief Minister Majhi declared that western Odisha is no longer the "next frontier" of growth but has emerged as a core engine of the state's development. He stated, "The silver jubilee edition of Enterprise Odisha represents a new way of thinking for us. We aspire to be the best in every sector and compete with the best."
The event saw participation from leading industrial giants, including:
- Tata Steel
- MCL
- JSW
- Vedanta
- Dalmia Cement
- SAIL
- AM/NS
- Rourkela Chamber of Commerce
Over 500 delegates attended, marking a significant milestone in the industrial growth journey of the region.
Strategic Focus on Quality of Life and Industrial Development
Referring to the theme 'Odisha: Best Place to Live, Work and Do Business', Majhi stressed that economic expansion must go hand in hand with improvements in the quality of life. He emphasized, "Industrial development must create jobs, raise living standards and ensure that ease of doing business is matched with ease of living."
Outlining the state's industrial strategy, the Chief Minister explained that the government aims to develop anchor industries in each region while nurturing hundreds of associated MSMEs as suppliers and service providers. He added, "This will ensure that our youth no longer need to migrate for jobs; opportunities will reach their doorstep."
Key Roundtable Discussions and MoU Signings
During his Rourkela visit, Chief Minister Majhi participated in three crucial roundtable discussions:
- With the Rourkela Chamber of Commerce
- With the Orissa Sponge Iron Manufacturing Association (OSIMA)
- With delegations from Ranchi and Raipur
These discussions highlighted the growing importance of the Raipur-Ranchi-Rourkela (RRR) corridor and enhanced regional collaboration. As a result of these deliberations:
- 22 MoUs worth Rs 43,349 crore were signed, with an employment potential of 18,985 people
- Five investment intents worth Rs 8,677 crore were received, proposing 1,442 jobs
Major Land Allotment to Vedanta Aluminium
In a significant development, Chief Minister Majhi handed over a land allotment letter for 1,447.927 acres at Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal to Vedanta Aluminium. This land is for the company's proposed 3 MTPA aluminium smelter and 4,900 MW captive power plant. The allotment, approved by the 41st high-level clearance authority, marks a crucial step toward fast-tracking the project's implementation.
Government's Focus on Execution and Skilling
Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain emphasized that 'Enterprise Odisha' was focused on execution. He stated, "Investor interest has already translated into MoUs and project intents. Our priority is to move swiftly from land allocation to grounding and production, particularly in downstream manufacturing and metal ancillaries across western Odisha."
Emphasizing workforce preparedness, Minister Swain added that targeted skilling and institutional upgrades are being aligned with industry demand to ensure that industrial growth remains employment-led and future-ready.
The Enterprise Odisha 2026 event has clearly positioned western Odisha as a dynamic hub for industrial investment, with comprehensive strategies in place to ensure sustainable growth and job creation for the region's youth.
