Naveen Inaugurates Expansion Project of Utkal Alumina In Rayagada

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday inaugurated the expansion project of Utkal Alumina Refinery at Kashipur in Rayagada district, taking its production capacity to 1.5-2 million ton per annum.

Speaking on the occasion, Naveen said the expansion of the refinery of the Aditya Birla group would help in further growth of the industrial economy of Odisha, especially in the tribal regions. He wanted the group to guide their ancillary units and associates to explore more opportunities to invest in the state.

The chief minister further said the Odisha economy has bounced back from the adverse impacts of the pandemic and is back on track. “We have attracted investments of over Rs 4.5 lakh crore since the pandemic. The state’s GST collection in July this year has also registered a 54% growth during the corresponding period of the previous year,” he added.

Joining the programme through virtual mode, Chairman of Aditya Birla Group Kumar Mangalam Birla said Odisha has emerged as the top-most investment destination for the Group.

“Over the years, we have invested well over Rs 30,000 crore in the state. Eight of our group businesses have a significant presence in the state and this has given employment to about 35,000 people,” he said.

“The Aditya Birla Group will invest about Rs 7,200 crore across various businesses. For Hindalco, we have earmarked an investment of Rs 3,000 crore to set up flat-rolled projects at Hirakud and Aditya,” he added.

Satish Pai, MD, Hindalco Industries Ltd said, “The Utkal expansion and Hindalco’s Downstream capacity addition in Aditya and Hirakud will make Odisha home to one of the largest flat rolled aluminium product plants in the world with world-class technologies from our American subsidiary Novelis. The development will accelerate the pace of employment generation in technology, transportation, packaging and logistics and boost business for ancillary industries.”

“Globally, India is the third largest producer of aluminium. With Hindalco’s additional capacities, Odisha will produce 2/3rd of that metal and we, at Hindalco and Aditya Birla Group, feel proud to be part of that story,” he added.

The Utkal Alumina was set up in 1993 with an investment of Rs 8600 crore and the Group has invested Rs 1500 crore for its expansion.

Industries Minister Dibya Shankar Mishra, ST, SC Development Minister Jagannath Saraka and Managing Director of Hindalco Satish Pai also spoke on the occasion.

The programme was moderated by secretary to CM (5-T) VK Pandian.