Bhubaneswar: In a major industrial and digital infrastructure push, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for a textile park to be set up at a cost of Rs 100 crore in Keonjhar on Saturday. Majhi also laid stone for a Rs 187 crore disaster recovery and data centre.
The event took place at Dharanidhar University campus, marking a major step in industrial diversification and digital infrastructure development in the district.
Speaking on the occasion, the Chief Minister said Keonjhar will not remain known only for mines and steel. The government’s commitment to transform the district into a hub of multi-sectoral industrial growth will go a long way in building a “Golden Keonjhar,” he said.
The textile park is set to create 1,200 jobs for youth and women. Hindalco will establish an apparel manufacturing unit on seven acres of land, with an annual capacity of 24 lakh garments. CM Majhi highlighted the transformative potential of the textile sector, calling it a pillar of prosperity and a source of large-scale employment.
The unit is to be developed by Hindalco Industries Limited, the Aditya Birla Group’s metals flagship, as part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) initiatives.
The state government has allotted land for the project, reflecting its focus on promoting sustainable industrialisation in mineral-rich and backward regions. Once operational, the unit is expected to create around 1,200 direct and indirect jobs, significantly benefiting local communities, especially women and youth.
The facility will be equipped with modern infrastructure and advanced manufacturing systems, ensuring quality production standards while maintaining a safe and inclusive workplace environment. Besides direct employment within the unit, ancillary services such as logistics, supply chain management, and local sourcing are likely to create additional indirect jobs in the region.
The Chief Minister said that garments from renowned brands such as Louis Philippe, Van Heusen, Allen Solly, and Peter England will be manufactured here and exported to global markets. It’s a matter of proud privilege for all of us and this project supports Odisha’s broader goal of expanding value-added industries beyond mining and heavy manufacturing.
The CM also recalled that during the O-Tex Textile Conclave in Bhubaneswar last July, 33 MoUs worth Rs 7,800 crore were signed, creating employment opportunities for over 53,000 people across Odisha. Dedicated textile and apparel parks are being set up in Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Balangir, Ganjam, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak.
The disaster recovery and data centre, developed by the Electronics and IT Department through OCAC, will serve as a backup to the state data centre in Bhubaneswar. It will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of over 400 online government services during natural disasters or cyber threats. Keonjhar’s low seismic risk makes it an ideal location for the project, said Majhi.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s focus on balanced regional development, citing Rs 312 crore allocated for temple development and Rs 1,900 crore projects launched during the Makar festival. He said industrial growth and digital strength will drive Odisha’s journey toward a developed India.
