THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, MAY 27, 2026
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday said Vedanta
Group’s proposed investments of over ₹1 lakh crore in the
state would create massive employment opportunities and accelerate Odisha’s transformation into a global aluminium and
industrial powerhouse, following a high-level review meeting with Vedanta Group
Chairman Anil Agarwal at Lok Seva Bhawan, here.
“This massive investment by
Vedanta will create immense opportunities for our youth. The progress of
Vedanta’s projects will be reviewed every 15 days, and steps will be taken to
ensure work commences on schedule. These projects will accelerate our journey
toward transforming Odisha into a $500 billion economy by 2036. It will
significantly boost economic activities and infrastructure development,
particularly in Central and Southern Odisha,” the Chief Minister said after the
meeting.
Reflecting on the significance of the projects, Anil Agarwal remarked
that the upcoming investments will bring a transformational shift to Odisha’s
economy. “They will generate lakhs of jobs, empower local enterprises, and help
build a future-ready industrial hub,” he said, while thanking the Chief
Minister for the state government’s support and reaffirming Vedanta’s commitment
to being a steadfast partner in Odisha’s growth story.
The high-level meeting focused on ensuring the timely implementation of
Vedanta’s mega industrial projects, which are expected to further strengthen
Odisha’s position as one of India’s leading manufacturing and metals hubs. With
investments exceeding ₹1 lakh crore, Vedanta has emerged as one of
the state’s largest investors, underlining Odisha’s growing appeal as a
destination for large-scale industrial expansion.
Vedanta’s proposed projects in Odisha include a 60 lakh tonne capacity
Alumina Refinery in Rayagada district, a 30 lakh tonne capacity Aluminium
Smelter in Dhenkanal district, a 6000 MW Power Project in Dhenkanal, and a
Downstream Aluminium Park along with integrated coal and bauxite industries.
These projects are expected to significantly accelerate the industrialisation
process in the state and create a robust ecosystem for ancillary industries and
MSMEs.
The proposed Downstream Aluminium Park near the smelter unit is
envisioned to manufacture advanced aluminium products catering to high-growth
sectors such as aerospace, electric vehicles and defence. The initiatives are
expected to position Odisha as the world’s largest aluminium production hub
while generating lakhs of direct and indirect employment opportunities and
facilitating the growth of thousands of MSMEs across the value chain.
Officials informed during the meeting that land allocation has already
been completed for the Power Project and Smelter in Dhenkanal as well as the Alumina
Refinery project in Rayagada. The development of supporting infrastructure and
essential facilities for these projects is progressing steadily. Vedanta’s new
coal block is also targeted to become operational this year, while the Ministry
of Railways has approved a proposed rail link near the company’s upcoming
bauxite mine, further strengthening logistical connectivity for the projects.
The meeting was attended by Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary
(Industries); Saswat Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister;
Dr. Arabinda Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue); along with senior
officials from the Vedanta Group.
