Suparjya swain 
Bhubaneswar: Showcasing its rising industrial potential on the national stage, the Odisha government secured investment proposals exceeding ₹1.03 lakh crore during Chief Minister Mohan Majhi’s two-day visit to New Delhi. The strategic outreach, marked by 13 MoUs with industry leaders, is set to generate nearly 67,000 jobs and accelerate the state’s industrial transformation.
In addition to the MoUs, the state received 15 investment intents amounting to ₹4,210 crore, taking the total investment proposals to ₹1,03,090 crore. The cumulative employment potential of these projects stands at nearly 96,000 jobs, according to a release from the Chief Minister’s Office (CMO).
The highlight of the investment drive was the MoU with Indian Oil Corporation Ltd (IOCL) for setting up a ₹58,042 crore dual-feed naphtha cracker project in Paradip. The project, poised to transform Paradip into a major petrochemical hub, is expected to create employment for around 24,000 individuals.
Calling it a “landmark moment” in the state’s industrial journey, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi said, “This project reflects a shared vision and belief in Odisha’s potential to lead India’s petrochemical revolution from the east. Paradip is poised to become a transformative industrial hub—much like Dahej in the west. Odisha is ready. Yahi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai.”
Odisha also entered into agreements with Indian Strategic Petroleum Reserves Ltd (ISPRL) and Petronet LNG. ISPRL will set up a crude oil storage facility at Chandikhol in Jajpur district with an investment of ₹8,743 crore, generating around 4,000 jobs. Petronet LNG will develop an LNG terminal at Gopalpur in Ganjam district, further strengthening the state’s strategic energy infrastructure.
“These partnerships reinforce Odisha’s emerging role in India’s petrochemical and energy landscape, while aligning with national priorities on sustainable development, import substitution, and a resilient supply chain,” stated the CMO release.
During the two-day visit, the Chief Minister held one-on-one meetings with industry captains from a range of sectors. Key engagements included:
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Kiri Industries: Plans to set up a specialty chemical production unit.
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Himadri Specialty Chemical Ltd: Revamping of a tyre manufacturing unit in Balasore.
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SLMG Beverages Pvt. Ltd: Expansion of bottling and manufacturing capacity.
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Chowgule Group: Exploring the establishment of a shipbuilding and repair facility.
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Inox GFL Group: Potential investment in the chemical sector post its Gujarat Fluorochemicals acquisition.
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Bombay Dyeing: Discussed entry into Odisha’s textiles and home furnishing sector.
The CM also met representatives from the Association of Indian Manufacturers of Medical Devices (AIMED), Toy Association of India, and the United States India Business Council, among others.
“These discussions reflected a strong investor appetite for Odisha as a manufacturing destination, driven by its policy clarity, infrastructure development, and skilled workforce,” the CMO stated.
The Odisha Investors’ Meet featured a sectoral video presentation on the state’s chemicals ecosystem and a comprehensive strategy presentation by Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary (Industries and MSME). Union Ministers Dharmendra Pradhan, Jual Oram, and Hardeep Singh Puri attended the event, lauding Odisha’s proactive industrial outreach.
Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja and IOCL Chairman A. S. Sahney were also present during the proceedings.
The state government is focused on creating an investor-friendly ecosystem through policy reforms, infrastructure upgrades, and enhanced ease of doing business. “We are committed to fast-tracking approvals, ensuring regulatory transparency, and investing in skilling to meet industry needs,” Chief Minister Majhi assured.
With investment pledges exceeding ₹1 lakh crore and growing interest from a broad spectrum of sectors, Odisha is poised to accelerate its journey toward becoming one of India’s foremost industrial and economic powerhouses.
