Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi held a high-level meeting with Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal at Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday to review the progress of Vedanta’s ambitious projects in the state, which involve investments exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore.
The discussions centred on expediting the implementation of these mega initiatives to ensure they stay on track. Vedanta has positioned itself as one of the largest investors in Odisha, with a portfolio that includes several landmark projects expected to drive substantial economic growth.
The meeting gained significant importance for Odisha’s industrial development, as it took place just hours after JSW Steel commenced construction of its proposed mega integrated steel complex at Dhinkia in Jagatsinghpur district.
Vedanta’s proposed establishments in Odisha
• A 60 lakh tonne capacity Alumina Refinery in Rayagada district.
• A 30 lakh tonne capacity Aluminium Smelter in Dhenkanal district.
• A 6000 MW capacity Power Project in Dhenkanal district.
• A Downstream Aluminium Park, along with Integrated Coal and Bauxite Industries.
The Downstream Aluminium Park, to be established near the smelter, will focus on producing high-value aluminium products for sectors such as aerospace, electric vehicles (EV), and defence. Collectively, these projects are expected to establish Odisha as the world’s largest aluminium production hub, generate lakhs of direct and indirect jobs, and foster the growth of thousands of MSMEs.
Land has already been allotted for the power project and smelter in Dhenkanal as well as the alumina refinery in Rayagada. Infrastructure development is advancing steadily, with Vedanta’s new coal block slated to commence operations later this year. The Ministry of Railways has also granted approval for a dedicated rail link near the company’s upcoming bauxite mine, a CMO release said.
CM Majhi Emphasises Timely Execution and Economic Vision
Chief Minister Majhi highlighted the transformative potential of Vedanta’s investments, stating that these would create immense opportunities for the state’s youth. He directed that the progress of these projects be reviewed every 15 days to ensure timely commencement of work. “These projects will accelerate our journey toward transforming Odisha into a $500 billion economy by 2036. They will significantly boost economic activities and infrastructure development, particularly in Central and Southern Odisha,” he added.
Vedanta’s Commitment
Anil Agarwal expressed confidence that the projects would bring about a major economic transformation in Odisha by generating large-scale employment, empowering local enterprises, and building a future-ready industrial ecosystem.
He thanked the Chief Minister and the state government for their continued support and reaffirmed Vedanta’s commitment to partnering in Odisha’s growth story.
The meeting was attended by senior state officials, including Additional Chief Secretary (Industries) Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, Additional Chief Secretary (Revenue) Arabinda Padhee, and senior executives from the Vedanta Group.
