Bhubaneswar, May 27: Odisha added another chapter to its industrial journey on Tuesday as Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for the construction of the blast furnace of the mega integrated steel plant being developed by JSW Steel at Erasama near Paradip.
The event, held at Dhinkia in Paradip, marked the formal commencement of one of the largest industrial projects ever undertaken in the state and reinforced the government’s vision of transforming Odisha into the “Steel Capital of India.”
The mega project, which involves an investment of ₹1.25 lakh crore, is considered the single largest industrial investment in Odisha’s history. The integrated steel plant will be developed in two phases and is expected to produce nearly 24 million tonnes of steel annually after completion. Along with the steel plant, the project will also include a 12 million tonne cement plant, a 900 MW captive power system, and a dedicated jetty to strengthen logistics and export capabilities.
The ceremony witnessed the presence of senior officials from the JSW Group, including Chairman Sajjan Jindal, as well as representatives of Japan-based JFE Steel, which is collaborating in the project.
Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister assured the company of full government support and promised that all administrative clearances and assistance would be provided on priority to ensure smooth implementation of the project.
The Chief Minister strongly emphasized the speed and efficiency of the present “double-engine government” in executing major industrial projects.
He stated that the project had remained delayed for nearly two decades and criticized the previous government for failing to move beyond symbolic announcements.
According to him, while the earlier pace of work suggested that construction itself would begin only around 2028, the present government has accelerated the process so significantly that steel production is now expected to begin by 2028 itself.
The Chief Minister also made a major announcement regarding Odisha’s growing international industrial partnerships.
Referring to the collaboration with JFE Steel in Jharsuguda, where a ₹30,000 crore project is already underway, he said Odisha is preparing to sign a “Sister States” agreement with Japan’s Tottori Prefecture in the near future. The proposed partnership is expected to strengthen cooperation in industry, tourism, and education while attracting large-scale Japanese investments to the state.
He further announced that new steel plants are likely to come up soon in Dhenkanal and Keonjhar, expanding Odisha’s industrial footprint even further.
Highlighting the achievements of his government in industrial development and employment generation, the Chief Minister said that 433 industrial projects have been approved in the last two years, bringing proposed investments worth ₹8.5 lakh crore and creating the potential for more than five lakh jobs.
He stated that groundwork has already been completed for 148 projects, resulting in employment opportunities for nearly 2.37 lakh youths. He also mentioned that the state government had successfully attracted investment proposals worth more than ₹2 lakh crore through outreach visits to cities such as Hyderabad, Kolkata, and Gujarat.
According to him, Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s strong support for Odisha and his vision of rapid industrial growth have encouraged investors to increasingly choose Odisha as a preferred destination.
He also outlined several major infrastructure and economic initiatives planned for Paradip in the coming years. After the establishment of the Indian Oil refinery and petrochemical complex, the region is now expected to witness the development of a cruise terminal and a mega shipbuilding complex.
In addition, the Centre has reportedly sanctioned ₹5,000 crore for the Paradip-Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Puri Economic Corridor (BCPPER), with Paradip serving as its primary gateway. The Chief Minister expressed confidence that these combined developments would generate more than one lakh new employment opportunities in the Paradip region over the next few years.
Speaking at the event, Odisha Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain described the launch of construction work as a historic moment for Paradip and the entire Jagatsinghpur district.
He said the industrial dreams of local residents, who had waited for nearly two decades, are finally becoming a reality under the leadership of the present government. The minister emphasized that the Industries Department is continuously working to create a strong investment-friendly ecosystem and ensure all necessary support and protection for investors.
