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 a garment pro
duction 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 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.