"CM Odisha identifies Western Odisha as the powerhouse of the state's economy as the region attracts a massive ₹52,026-crore investment surge."

Western Odisha is no longer the “next frontier” of growth but has emerged as a core engine of the State’s development, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said recently while addressing industrialists from Raipur, Ranchi and Rourkela at the 25th edition of Enterprise Odisha 2026 in Rourkela.

According to an official release, projects worth ₹8,884 crore were inaugurated and grounded during the event, generating 6,832 employment opportunities. In addition, memoranda of understanding (MoUs) and investment intents totalling ₹52,026 crore were secured, with an employment potential of 20,427, providing a major boost to the region’s industrial momentum.

The event saw the inauguration of 11 industrial projects involving an investment of ₹5,708 crore, creating 4,183 jobs, followed by the grounding of nine projects worth ₹3,176 crore, expected to generate employment for 2,649 persons.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister said the silver jubilee edition of Enterprise Odisha reflected a renewed mindset focused on excellence and competitiveness across sectors. Referring to the theme of the event, “Odisha: Best Place to Live, Work and Do Business”, he said the State’s industrial growth strategy aims to balance economic development with improved quality of life, employment generation and ease of living.

Outlining the government’s industrial strategy, Majhi said the State plans to establish anchor industries in every region while promoting the development of MSMEs around them as suppliers, logistics partners and service providers, enabling local employment and reducing migration.

During his two-day visit to Rourkela, the Chief Minister participated in roundtable discussions with the Rourkela Chamber of Commerce, the Orissa Sponge Iron Manufacturing Association (OSIMA), and delegations from Ranchi and Raipur. These interactions highlighted the growing Raipur-Ranchi-Rourkela (RRR) Corridor and increased regional collaboration.

As part of these engagements, 22 MoUs worth ₹43,349 crore were signed, with an employment potential of 18,985, while five investment intents totalling ₹8,677 crore, with potential to create 1,442 jobs, were received.

Majhi also handed over a letter offering 1,447.927 acres of land at Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal district to Vedanta Aluminium Ltd for its proposed 3 million tonnes per annum aluminium smelter and a 4,900 MW captive power plant. The land allotment, approved by the 41st High Level Clearance Authority, is expected to help fast-track the implementation of the project.

The event was attended by Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain; Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma; representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry; senior government officials; and leading companies including Tata Steel, JSW, Vedanta, Dalmia Cement, SAIL, AMNS and MCL. More than 500 participants attended the event.