THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 20, 2026
Odisha’s push to cement its status as India’s steel powerhouse gathered
fresh momentum after the state government on Friday presented a detailed
clarification in the State Assembly on the proposed 24 million tonnes per annum
integrated steel plants by AMNS India Pvt. Ltd. and JSW Utkal Steel Ltd.,
highlighting their transformative economic potential and employment impact.
Responding to a starred question, officials outlined the current status
and scale of both projects, describing them as among the most significant
industrial investments in the state’s history. The twin ventures are expected
to reshape Odisha’s manufacturing landscape, create massive job opportunities
and accelerate downstream industrial development.
The House was informed that AMNS India had proposed its 24 MTPA
integrated steel facility in 2021. Key processes, including land acquisition,
environmental clearances and approval of the Detailed Project Report, are
currently underway. The government assured that all statutory norms and
environmental safeguards will be strictly followed, with special emphasis on
protecting local interests. Once operational, the project is projected to generate
thousands of direct and indirect employment opportunities while boosting
ancillary industries, logistics and infrastructure.
On JSW Utkal Steel Ltd., the government said that the company has
expanded its earlier approved capacity of 12 MTPA to a full-scale 24 MTPA
integrated plant. Land acquisition, environmental approvals and utility
linkages are progressing in phases. The project alone is expected to create
nearly 50,000 direct jobs along with a significantly larger number of indirect
employment opportunities, making it one of the largest employment-generating
industrial ventures in eastern India.
Officials stressed that both projects represent major milestones in
Odisha’s industrial development strategy. By strengthening value addition
within the state, they are expected to attract ancillary units, enhance
port-led industrialisation and increase demand for rail and road connectivity.
The developments are also likely to provide a strong boost to MSMEs engaged in
fabrication, engineering services and supply chain operations.
The government reiterated its commitment to ensuring transparency and
strict adherence to legal procedures in all aspects of project implementation.
It assured the Assembly that land acquisition will follow due process and that
rehabilitation and resettlement measures will be implemented in line with
policy frameworks.
The clarification comes amid protests by farmer organisations, including
the Ganatantra Kisan Mahapanchayat, which have raised concerns over land
acquisition and potential livelihood impacts. Addressing these apprehensions,
the government said that farmers’ interests will be fully safeguarded and that
consultations, fair compensation and livelihood protection mechanisms will be
integral to the land selection process.
Industry experts view the twin 24 MTPA projects as a defining moment for
Odisha’s long-term industrial roadmap. With abundant iron ore reserves,
established port infrastructure and a policy focus on value addition, the state
is steadily transitioning from a raw mineral supplier to a high-capacity steel
manufacturing hub with strong export potential.
If executed on schedule, the AMNS India and JSW Utkal mega plants are
expected to significantly enhance Odisha’s share in India’s steel output, drive
sustained employment and anchor a new phase of industrial growth.
