Odisha CM lays foundation stone for Rs 1.25-lakh crore mega JSW steel plant at Paradip

Marking a major milestone in Odisha’s industrial journey, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday laid the foundation stone for the blast furnace and construction works of JSW Steel’s mega integrated steel plant at Paradip in the Jagatsinghpur district.

The project, coming up at Dhinkia in the Ersama region, involves an investment of Rs 1.25 lakh crore, making it one of the biggest industrial investments in Odisha’s history. Describing the occasion as a “golden chapter” in Odisha’s industrial development, the Chief Minister reiterated the state government’s commitment to transforming Odisha into the “Steel Capital” of India.

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The proposed steel complex will be developed in two phases and is expected to produce around 24 million tonnes of steel annually. The project will also include a 12 million tonne cement plant, a 900 MW captive power system and a dedicated jetty.

Addressing the gathering in the presence of JSW Group Chairman Sajjan Jindal and senior officials of Japan-based JFE Steel, Majhi assured full support from the state government for speedy implementation of the project.

Criticising the previous government over delays in industrial execution, the Chief Minister said people had waited nearly two decades for the project to become a reality. He claimed that while the earlier government had only conducted a symbolic foundation-laying ceremony, the present “double-engine government” fast-tracked the project soon after assuming office.

Majhi announced that steel production from the plant would commence by 2028. “Had the earlier pace continued, construction itself would have started only by 2028. Our government has ensured that production will begin by then,” he said.

Highlighting Odisha’s growing industrial partnerships with foreign investors, the Chief Minister announced that Odisha would soon sign a “Sister States” agreement with Japan’s Tottori prefecture to strengthen cooperation in industry, tourism and education sectors. He also referred to another Rs 30,000 crore project involving JFE Steel at Jharsuguda.

Presenting his government’s industrial performance report, Majhi said 433 projects worth Rs 8.5 lakh crore had been approved in the last two years, with potential to create over five lakh jobs. Groundwork for 148 projects has already been completed, generating employment for nearly 2.37 lakh youths, he added.

The Chief Minister also outlined plans to transform Paradip into a major industrial and maritime hub on the lines of Gujarat’s Mundra Port through a “Two-Coast Strategy”. Besides the existing Indian Oil refinery and petrochemical complex, Paradip is expected to get a cruise terminal and a mega shipbuilding complex in the future.

He further said the proposed Paradip-Cuttack-Bhubaneswar-Puri Economic Corridor would be developed with central assistance of Rs 5,000 crore and could generate over one lakh jobs in the Paradip region alone.

Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain termed the project a historic step for the industrial growth of Jagatsinghpur district and assured continued support to investors and industries in the state.