Subhechcha Ganguly 
The inception of the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) in 1981 marked a strategic initiative aimed at fostering the systematic and expeditious establishment and growth of industries, trade, and commerce in the state. Recognized as the Nodal Agency for industrial infrastructure in Odisha, IDCO’s core functions encompass the establishment of Industrial Areas, Industrial Estates, Functional Industrial Estates, and Growth Centers at strategic locations.
IDCO’s mandate extends to the provision of comprehensive infrastructure, encompassing essential elements such as roads, drains, power, water, street lights, and social amenities like banking, post offices, telecommunication facilities, and shopping complexes. Beyond the confines of Industrial Estates and Areas, IDCO serves as the key agency for securing land for large projects, strategically acquiring land across the state to accommodate diverse industrial ventures. IDCO is also responsible for the development of infrastructure for rural areas, including road construction, water pipelines, electricity, and other essential services. IDCO also plays an important role in providing land for large projects, such as industrial parks and Special Economic Zones, by providing land for these ventures and helping to attract investors.
The Corporation’s expertise extends to planning and executing construction projects for government departments and undertakings. Leveraging its diverse technical manpower, IDCO is committed to delivering quality construction services within scheduled timelines and optimal costs. In this endeavor, strategic collaborations with esteemed organizations like MECON, RITES, and RPNN, known for their state-of-the-art technologies, underscore the Corporation’s commitment to excellence.
IDCO’s commitment to quality is underscored by its ISO-9001 certification by RWTUV CERT, Germany, making it the sole government undertaking in the state with this distinguished recognition. Additionally, the Corporation has earned ISO-14001 certification, a testament to its dedication to environmental protection and resource conservation in all operational facets.
A noteworthy accomplishment for IDCO is its receipt of the SKOCH Silver Award 2023 in the infrastructure category, specifically for the construction of the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium in Rourkela. This accolade underscores the Corporation’s significant contributions to infrastructure development in the region.
Presently, IDCO assumes a pivotal role in attracting private capital for statewide infrastructure projects. The Corporation extends escort services to investors and developers, facilitating the seamless implementation of infrastructure and industrial projects. As the nodal agency for land acquisition and allocation to large industries, IDCO is actively engaged in strategic land acquisition at key locations, contributing to the establishment of medium and large-scale projects. In addition, IDCO works to ensure the availability of adequate infrastructure for these projects, including power and water supply, transport and communication.
In a proactive move, IDCO has taken on the responsibility of creating a “Land Bank” and allocating land for industrial and infrastructure projects, including those necessitated for social infrastructure within designated Industrial Estates, Industrial Areas, Industrial Parks, and Growth Centers. The meticulous categorization of the land bank into ‘A,’ ‘B,’ and ‘C’ categories, based on the Pollution Index and Level of Investment, serves as a valuable tool for prospective investors, aiding them in selecting an optimal location aligned with the specific requirements of their projects. This strategic categorization enhances the decision-making process and reinforces IDCO’s commitment to facilitating informed and efficient investments in the state.
The man stewarding Idco’s success is its incumbent MD Mr Bhupendra Singh Poonia. He is a dynamic, above board official with enviable administrative prowess. He has been at the forefront of Idco’s showpiece activities- be it leading the state delegation to woo investors, staging massive investment summits like Make in Odisha or engaging the industry for a meaningful dialogue. He has painstakingly sped up the pace of on-ground reforms to scale up Odisha’s rankings on the Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) index. Mr Poonia is a transformational, new-age leader who believes in a win-win government-industry synergy. He is highly acclaimed within the bureaucratic circles and industry veterans for his reformist mindset.
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