Bhubaneswar, August 30: Additional Chief Secretary to the Government, Housing and Urban Development Department, and Chairperson of the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO), Usha Padhee, on Sunday conducted an extensive field inspection of the Kalibeti and Mudamba Industrial Estates in Khordha district to assess infrastructure development and preparedness for their operationalisation.

​​​​​​​Padhee was accompanied by IDCO Chief General Manager (Land) Saroj Sahu, the concerned Land Officer and senior officials from the respective divisions. During the inspection, she reviewed the master planning, industrial plot allocation, land development and ongoing infrastructure works at both estates.

Taking stock of the progress on the ground, Padhee directed officials to ensure meticulous planning, time-bound execution and regular field-level monitoring. She stressed that all necessary infrastructure should be completed as per schedule to enable prospective industrial units to begin operations without unnecessary delays.

She also directed the concerned teams to identify bottlenecks and resolve pending issues related to land, utilities and supporting infrastructure through coordinated and time-bound action.

“Our focus should be on converting planned industrial infrastructure into functional, investor-ready ecosystems within clearly defined timelines. Every component—from land and utilities to mobility and environmental sustainability—must be planned and executed in an integrated manner,” Padhee said.

Emphasising environmental sustainability, the IDCO Chairperson directed officials to incorporate rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems into the core infrastructure plans of the industrial estates. She underlined the need for efficient water management and conservation of natural resources as an essential part of developing new industrial areas.

The inspection also covered workforce mobility, with particular emphasis on the commuting requirements of women workers. Padhee directed the concerned authorities to take necessary measures to extend“Ama Bus”public transport connectivity to the Kalibeti and Mudamba Industrial Estates.

She said safe, reliable and accessible public transportation would be crucial for facilitating daily commuting, particularly for women employed in apparel, textile and other manufacturing units. Better public transport connectivity, she added, would also improve access to employment opportunities for people living in surrounding areas.

“Industrial growth must be inclusive. When we plan an industrial estate, we must plan not only for investors and industries but also for the people who will work there. Safe and dependable public transport, especially for women workers, is an important part of building a modern and inclusive industrial ecosystem,” Padhee said.

Padhee further stressed the need for close coordination among various IDCO divisions and stakeholder agencies to ensure that field-level issues are resolved promptly and infrastructure projects progress in a synchronised manner. She called for regular inspections and continuous monitoring to ensure that implementation remains aligned with approved plans and timelines.

The inspection underlines IDCO’s focus on accelerating industrial infrastructure development while integrating sustainability, workforce welfare and ease of operations into the planning of industrial estates.

The initiative aims to develop well-planned, environmentally responsible and investor-ready industrial destinations capable of supporting sustained industrial growth and creating greater employment opportunities in Odisha.