BHUBANESWAR: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the silver jubilee edition of Enterprise Odisha 2026 in Rourkela, declaring that Western Odisha has evolved from a “next frontier” of growth into a core engine of the state’s development. The event marked a major milestone in Odisha’s industrial journey, with the launch and grounding of projects worth Rs 8,884 crore and the creation of 6,832 jobs.
Addressing the inaugural session of the 25th edition of Enterprise Odisha, the Chief Minister dedicated multiple industrial projects in Western Odisha to the nation. He said the region is playing an increasingly central role in Odisha’s economic transformation and is emerging as a hub of investment, manufacturing and employment generation.
During the event, Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) and investment intents worth Rs 52,026 crore were secured, with an estimated employment potential of 20,427. Officials described the developments as a significant boost to Western Odisha’s industrial momentum and a strong signal of investor confidence in the state.
Leading companies, including Tata Steel, MCL, JSW, Vedanta, Dalmia Cement, SAIL, AMNS and the Rourkela Chamber of Commerce, participated in the event. More than 500 stakeholders gathered to witness what officials called a defining moment in Western Odisha’s industrial expansion.
Speaking on the occasion, Majhi said the silver jubilee edition represents a new mindset focused on excellence and competitiveness. He emphasised that Odisha is positioning itself to compete with the best industrial destinations in the country. Referring to the theme of this year’s event — “Odisha: Best Place to Live, Work and Do Business” — the Chief Minister said economic growth must go hand in hand with improvements in quality of life.
He stressed that industrial development should not only generate employment but also raise living standards and ensure that ease of doing business is matched by ease of living. According to Majhi, industrial growth must translate into tangible opportunities for every citizen.
Outlining the state’s industrial strategy, the Chief Minister said the government aims to establish anchor industries in every region and build strong MSME ecosystems around them. These supporting enterprises would function as suppliers, logistics partners, fabricators, maintenance providers, packaging units and technology collaborators. Such an integrated approach, he said, would reduce migration by bringing employment opportunities closer to local youth.
The event inaugurated 11 industrial projects worth Rs 5,708 crore, expected to generate employment for 4,183 people. In addition, groundwork began for nine projects valued at Rs 3,176 crore, projected to create 2,649 jobs.
During his visit to Rourkela, the Chief Minister also participated in three key roundtable discussions with the Rourkela Chamber of Commerce, the Orissa Sponge Iron Manufacturing Association (OSIMA), and delegations from Ranchi and Raipur. These interactions underscored the growing importance of the Raipur–Ranchi–Rourkela (RRR) Corridor as a platform for regional collaboration and shared economic growth.
Through these roundtables, 22 MoUs worth Rs 43,349 crore were signed, with the potential to generate 18,985 jobs. Additionally, five investment intents amounting to Rs 8,677 crore were received, carrying an employment potential of 1,442.
In another significant development, Majhi handed over an allotment letter for 1,447.927 acres of land at Kamakhyanagar in Dhenkanal district to Vedanta Aluminium Ltd. The land has been earmarked for the company’s proposed 3 MTPA aluminium smelter and a 4,900 MW captive power plant project. Approved by the 41st High Level Clearance Authority (HLCA), the allocation is expected to accelerate implementation of the project.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said Enterprise Odisha 2026 is focused on delivery and swift project execution. He noted that investor interest is already translating into on-ground action, particularly in downstream manufacturing and metal ancillaries across Western Odisha. He also highlighted the importance of skilled manpower, stating that targeted skilling and institutional upgrades are being aligned with industry demand to ensure employment-led and future-ready industrial growth.
The ceremony was attended by Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education Minister Sampad Chandra Swain; Raghunathpali MLA Durga Charan Tanti; Additional Chief Secretary (Industries, Home and I&PR) Hemant Sharma; senior representatives of the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII); policymakers; industrialists; MSME entrepreneurs; startup founders; women entrepreneurs; and senior government officials.
Officials described the 25th edition of Enterprise Odisha as a defining moment for the state’s industrial trajectory. With a renewed focus on Western Odisha and balanced regional development, Odisha is positioning itself as one of India’s most promising destinations for investment, employment and inclusive growth. The state government aims to accelerate this transformation and realize its vision of a prosperous Odisha by 2036.
