The Business Bytes
Major investments from Tata Steel, NINL, and global players mark a new phase of industrialization in Jajpur
THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
JAJPUR (ODISHA), MAY 22, 2025
In a landmark move to boost industrial development and employment, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday unveiled 24 industrial projects worth ₹1.15 lakh crore, expected to generate 36,000 direct jobs. The projects, ranging from heavy industry to specialty chemicals and green energy, mark the state’s most ambitious investment rollout in recent years.
The Chief Minister inaugurated four major projects, including Tata Steel’s ₹47,599-crore expansion of its 5 MTPA Integrated Steel Plant (ISP) at Kalinganagar, which alone will create 4,625 jobs. In a significant show of confidence, Neelachal Ispat Nigam Ltd. (NINL) is investing ₹61,769 crore to expand its plant to 8.52 MTPA, making it one of eastern India’s largest steel manufacturing facilities and generating 14,000 jobs.
The event also saw foundation stones laid for 20 new projects, including a ₹470-crore petroleum and solar power unit by JSL Group, a ₹220-crore TMT rebar-cum-wire rod mill by Jatia Steel, and a ₹161.57-crore poultry feed plant by Abis Exports. Additionally, Linde India is investing ₹425 crore in an air separation unit to serve the region’s growing steel and manufacturing sectors.
Foreign direct investment featured prominently, with Japanese firm TYK Ceramics India pledging ₹57 crore for advanced refractory products; Germany’s Almamet investing ₹50.6 crore for magnesium granules and calcium carbide production; Neo Industries from the US bringing in ₹72 crore for chrome plating and steel finishing; UK-based Corewire Surface Technology committing ₹50.1 crore for steel roll rebuilding; and Lechler India (Germany) setting up a ₹1.5-crore precision nozzle unit.
The Chief Minister also laid the foundation for the expansion of IMFA’s ferrochrome plant, which will produce 100,000 metric tonnes annually in its first phase, with completion targeted for the first quarter of FY 2026-27. Once completed, IMFA’s total production capacity will rise to 3,84,000 tonnes, reinforcing its leadership in the value-added ferrochrome space.
Speaking at the event, Majhi said, “With today’s projects, we are not just laying foundation stones; we are laying the foundation of Odisha’s future. In just 113 days since the Make-in-Odisha Conclave, we have moved from intent to execution.” He emphasized that these investments would empower local youth and enhance Odisha’s status as a manufacturing and employment hub.
Tata Steel CEO and MD T.V. Narendran echoed the sentiment, noting that Kalinganagar symbolizes the success of collaboration between government, industry, and communities, and reaffirmed the company’s long-term commitment to the state.
An official from the Industries Department stated that these projects will not only attract foreign capital and technology, but also stimulate MSME growth, encourage downstream industries, and strengthen Odisha’s position as a trusted investment destination.
The event was attended by key state dignitaries including Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Textiles and Handlooms Minister Pradeep Balsamant, and Jajpur MP Rabindra Narayan Behera, marking a strong political and administrative backing for the state’s industrial surge.
