THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, FEBRUARY 17, 2026
The Budget Session of the Odisha Legislative Assembly commenced on
Tuesday with Governor Hari Babu Kambhampati opening his address with the
invocation “Jai Jagannath” and outlining an ambitious roadmap for the state’s
economic and social transformation. Emphasising Odisha’s emerging role in the
national growth narrative, the Governor said that the state is poised to become
a key growth engine of a developed India.
Marking the approach of Odisha’s centenary in 2036, he said the
government has undertaken a series of initiatives aimed at building a
prosperous and empowered state by that milestone year. The address highlighted
infrastructure expansion, industrial acceleration and social development as the
three pillars of the government’s long-term vision.
Praising the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, the Governor
said several flagship projects have been brought to the state, positioning
Odisha as a future semiconductor hub in the self-reliant India mission. He
noted that large-scale road modernisation is underway to improve connectivity
and unlock economic potential across regions.
Among the major infrastructure announcements were a proposed flyover on
the Jaydev Bhubaneswar–Nandankanan corridor and approval for the
Rameshwar–Paradip coastal highway, both expected to ease traffic congestion and
boost industrial and tourism activity. The Bhubaneswar–Khordha–Cuttack Ring
Road project was also highlighted as a transformative initiative to reduce
urban pressure, facilitate trade and attract investment.
The Governor underscored the state’s growing dominance in the steel
sector, stating that Odisha currently hosts 55 steel plants with a combined
annual capacity of around 45 million tonnes, accounting for nearly 23 per cent
of India’s total output. He said the state is targeting a massive expansion to
100 million tonnes of steel production capacity by 2030, reinforcing its
position as the country’s steel capital.
On the revenue front, he pointed to reforms in the minor minerals sector
that have enhanced transparency and boosted earnings from ₹1,195
crore in 2022-23 to ₹1,776 crore in 2024-25, reflecting strong annual growth and improved governance.
Industrial development through the ‘Make in Odisha’ initiative was
another key focus, with 85 projects worth ₹2 lakh crore currently under
implementation and expected to generate 1.65 lakh jobs. Overall, various government programmes are projected to create
employment opportunities for 4.65 lakh people across sectors.
The Governor also stressed the administration’s commitment to social welfare, particularly the elimination of malnutrition and anaemia. Highlighting women’s economic empowerment, he said 16.42 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ have emerged through self-help groups and rural livelihood missions, each earning more than ₹1 lakh annually and contributing to grassroots economic stability.
Framing infrastructure, industry and inclusive growth as the drivers of Odisha’s future, the Governor said the state is on a decisive path toward accelerated development and greater participation in India’s economic rise.
