Bhubaneswar: The state of Odisha has been ranked among the top five states in NITI Aayog’s first-ever Investment Friendliness Index (IFI) 2026, marking a major milestone in its development trajectory. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi extended his congratulations to the people of the state, government departments, industry partners, entrepreneurs, investors and public servants for their collective efforts in achieving this recognition.
Describing the achievement as a moment of pride for every Odia, the Chief Minister said the ranking reflects the state’s unwavering commitment to transparent governance, policy-driven reforms, investor-friendly administration and sustainable industrial development. He emphasised that Odisha’s steady progress is the result of a shared vision and coordinated action across multiple sectors, enabling it to emerge as a competitive destination for investment.
Recognition Reflects Governance and Reform-Oriented Approach
Majhi stated that Odisha’s inclusion among the top-performing states underscores the success of its governance reforms and emphasis on ease of doing business. He noted that progressive policy interventions, digital governance mechanisms and time-bound approvals have helped create a business-friendly ecosystem that supports investments across sectors. The implementation of a robust Single Window Clearance system and strengthened institutional frameworks has further enhanced investor confidence in the state.
Odisha's recognition among India's Top Performing States in the @NITIAayog Investment Friendliness Index 2026 marks an important milestone in our development journey. It reflects our steadfast commitment to transparent governance, policy consistency and reforms that are fostering… pic.twitter.com/evetOelThf
— Mohan Charan Majhi (@MohanMOdisha) July 21, 2026
He remarked that the recognition is not the final destination but an important milestone in Odisha’s growth journey. The government, he said, will continue to focus on strengthening infrastructure, improving service delivery and introducing further reforms to ensure that Odisha becomes one of the most preferred investment destinations in India and globally.
Acknowledging Central Leadership and Cooperative Federalism
The Chief Minister also expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi for his visionary leadership and commitment to cooperative federalism. He highlighted that the reforms introduced under the Prime Minister’s leadership, along with the synergy of a “Double Engine Government,” have accelerated Odisha’s development in areas such as infrastructure, industrialisation, connectivity, logistics and skill development.
Referring to the broader national vision, Majhi said Odisha is aligned with the goal of building a “Viksit Bharat” and is committed to achieving “Samruddha Odisha” by 2036. He stressed that industrial growth in the state will be inclusive, generating quality employment opportunities, empowering youth and ensuring balanced regional development.
Odisha Emerges as a Competitive Investment Destination
The Investment Friendliness Index is India’s first comprehensive and evidence-based framework for assessing the investment ecosystem across states and union territories. Odisha’s position among the top performers alongside Gujarat, Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Goa highlights its growing prominence as a competitive and dynamic investment hub.
According to the Chief Minister, Odisha’s development story has evolved beyond its traditional industrial strengths. The state is now emerging as a diversified manufacturing and services hub, attracting investments across multiple sectors. This diversification is contributing to structural transformation by strengthening industrial value chains, promoting innovation and supporting the growth of micro, small and medium enterprises as well as startups.
He further observed that increasing investments are generating large-scale employment opportunities for the youth while boosting skill development initiatives. By aligning workforce capabilities with industry requirements, Odisha is building a strong foundation for sustained economic growth.
Focus on Infrastructure and Industrial Ecosystem Development
The Government of Odisha has prioritised the development of modern industrial infrastructure to sustain this momentum. Integrated industrial parks, logistics corridors, improved connectivity and reliable power supply are being developed to support business operations and facilitate investment. Sector-specific industrial ecosystems are also being promoted to encourage specialised growth and innovation.
Continuous engagement with domestic and global investors, combined with policy stability and efficient project facilitation, has strengthened Odisha’s reputation as a trusted and preferred destination for investment. The Chief Minister noted that these efforts have significantly enhanced the state’s competitiveness in attracting both domestic and international investments.
Government Reaffirms Long-Term Development Vision
Reaffirming the government’s long-term agenda, Majhi said Odisha is working with a clear roadmap to achieve the vision of Samruddha Odisha by 2036, coinciding with the centenary year of the state’s formation. This vision aligns with the national aspiration of becoming a developed nation by 2047 and reflects Odisha’s commitment to contributing meaningfully to the country’s growth.
Minister for Industries, Skill Development and Technical Education, Sampad Chandra Swain, also welcomed the recognition and described it as a validation of the state’s reform-oriented industrial policies. He credited the leadership of the Chief Minister and the collective efforts of Team Odisha for building a responsive, transparent and globally competitive investment ecosystem.
Swain emphasised that the government remains focused on accelerating industrial growth, enabling faster project implementation, nurturing skilled talent and creating world-class infrastructure. He invited investors from across the globe to partner with Odisha and participate in its growth story.
Commitment to Continued Reforms and Future Growth
The Government of Odisha has reiterated its commitment to continuously strengthening the investment ecosystem through policy innovation, technology-driven governance and close collaboration with industry stakeholders. Building on this achievement, the state aims to pursue further reforms that enhance competitiveness, improve investor experience and sustain economic growth.
Expressing confidence in the state’s future, the Chief Minister affirmed that Odisha’s commitment to good governance, industrial diversification, innovation, and sustainability will further solidify its position as one of India’s leading growth engines. He concluded by stating that this recognition is not an endpoint, but rather another step forward in Odisha’s journey toward economic transformation, job creation, and inclusive prosperity, contributing to the larger national vision of Viksit Bharat 2047.
Odisha Govt Approves Rs 4,573 Crore Investment Across 11 Districts, Expects Over 22,000 Jobs
In a major step towards realising the vision of Samruddha Odisha 2036, the 148th State Level Single Window Clearance Authority (SLSWCA) meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg, approved 23 industrial projects worth Rs 4,573.87 crore. These projects are expected to generate around 22,873 employment opportunities across 11 districts of Odisha. The approvals reflect the state government’s continued focus on accelerating industrial growth, attracting investments and creating large-scale job opportunities, further strengthening Odisha’s position as an emerging investment destination in India.
The 148th SLSWCA, chaired by @SecyChief Smt. Anu Garg, approved 23 industrial projects worth ₹4,573.87 cr, with the potential to generate 22,873 employment opportunities across 11 districts, further strengthening Odisha's industrial ecosystem.#InvestInOdisha #SamrudhOdisha pic.twitter.com/m2gvaBLcNe
— Invest Odisha (@InvestInOdisha) July 21, 2026
These approvals underscore Odisha’s continued push towards industrial expansion, economic diversification, and job creation across multiple sectors.
Diverse Sectoral Investments Drive Growth
The newly approved projects span a wide range of sectors including Information Technology and IT-enabled Services (IT & ITES), green energy equipment, battery and energy storage, chemicals, textiles and apparel, food processing, steel downstream industries, pharmaceuticals and medical devices, infrastructure, healthcare and tourism. This diverse investment mix reflects the state’s strategic focus on promoting balanced industrial development while encouraging both traditional industries and emerging sectors.
These projects will be implemented across 11 districts—Angul, Balangir, Cuttack, Ganjam, Jajpur, Kendujhar, Khordha, Mayurbhanj, Nuapada, Puri and Sundargarh—ensuring regional industrial growth and expanding employment opportunities at the grassroots level.
Key Projects in IT and Green Energy
Among the major approvals, HCL Technologies Limited will establish a Global Development Centre in Khordha with an investment of Rs 730 crore, expected to create around 6,000 jobs. In the green energy segment, ACME Cleantech Solutions Private Limited will set up an alkaline electrolyser manufacturing unit in Ganjam with an investment of Rs 778 crore, generating 480 employment opportunities.
Additionally, GGB Battery India Private Limited will establish a zinc anode battery manufacturing unit in Cuttack with an investment of Rs 202.50 crore, creating 254 jobs. Envirocare Infrasolution Private Limited will also develop a 100 MW solar photovoltaic captive power plant in Angul with an investment of Rs 351 crore, further strengthening the state’s renewable energy ecosystem.
Textile and Chemical Sectors See Strong Momentum
The textile and apparel sector has attracted significant investment, particularly in Puri and Balangir. Companies such as SAPL Industries, SPL Industries, Richa Global Exports and Astha Cotspin are set to establish manufacturing units, collectively generating over 10,000 employment opportunities.
In the chemical sector, investments from Growing Tree Oil & Refinery, Transpek Industry, Tirupati Microtech and Krebs International across Nuapada, Ganjam, Jajpur and Mayurbhanj are expected to create more than 1,900 jobs, further boosting industrial activity in these regions.
Infrastructure, Healthcare and Tourism Projects
Several key projects have also been approved in infrastructure and social sectors. These include a 300-bed multi-speciality hospital by DION Riverside Township in Cuttack, a railway siding project by Tata Steel in Kendujhar, and logistics parks planned in Sundargarh and Dhenkanal. Additionally, three five-star hospitality projects in Cuttack, Sambalpur and Khordha have received approval, strengthening the state’s tourism and hospitality landscape.
Strengthening Odisha’s Investment Ecosystem
The latest round of approvals reinforces Odisha’s growing stature as a preferred investment destination in India. The state’s Single Window Clearance System continues to play a crucial role in ensuring faster approvals and seamless implementation of projects. With a strong policy framework, infrastructure push and investor-friendly governance, Odisha is steadily advancing towards sustained industrial growth and large-scale employment generation.
