Odisha making decisive shift in industrial growth trajectory: CM Majhi

Odisha, traditionally known for its strong base in steel, mining and heavy industries, is now steadily expanding into modern and high-growth sectors, such as IT (Information Technology), ITeS (Information Technology Enabled Services), aerospace & defence, and Downstream & Engineering Goods and Biotechnology, marking a decisive shift in its growth trajectory, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Tuesday.

This strategic transition was clearly reflected during the Odisha Investors’ Meets held in Hyderabad in December 2025 and Kolkata in January 2026, which showcased the state’s vast potential across emerging sectors, the Chief Minister’s Office said in a statement.

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These investor interactions were organised after the BJP government came to power, reinforcing the state’s readiness to align with future industrial and economic opportunities.

As part of this outreach, six sector-specific roundtable discussions were conducted in Hyderabad and Kolkata. In Hyderabad, two roundtables were held focusing on Pharmaceuticals and Aerospace & Defence. In Kolkata, sectoral discussions covered Hosiery, Apparel Accessories & Technical Textiles; Metal Ancillary, Downstream & Engineering Goods; Plastics, Chemicals, Packaging & Recycling; and Pharmaceuticals, Medical Devices & Biotechnology.

A total of 123 company leaders participated in these roundtable discussions. Through this collaborative engagement in both cities, Odisha secured investments worth 1,67,000 crore, with the potential to generate 1,46,000 employment opportunities.

The strong interest shown by business leaders has created a powerful momentum of opportunity, positioning Odisha as a preferred investment destination.

Odisha offers all essential components required for the development of new-edge industries from ideation and innovation to implementation, production, logistics, and transportation. For global connectivity, Odisha operates major ports at Paradeep, Dhamra, Gopalpur, Bahuda, and Inchudi–Subarnarekha. The state also provides abundant air connectivity through airports across Odisha, supported by robust road infrastructure, CM Majhi said.

Dedicated industrial parks, MSME parks, and Special Economic Zones further offer investors plug-and-play facilities to start and scale their businesses efficiently.

Recognising the importance of skilled manpower in emerging sectors, the Odisha government will establish three more world-class Skill Centres in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Berhampur, ensuring region-balanced skill development and employment generation.

Inviting investors to be partners in Odisha’s growth journey, the Chief Minister appealed to the industry leaders to “Come to Odisha and be a part of this success story.” With strong policy support, world-class infrastructure, skilled manpower initiatives, and growing investor confidence, Odisha is positioning itself as a future-ready investment destination in eastern India, he concluded.