Odisha Chief Minister Inaugurates Landmark Industrial Projects in Sambalpur
In a significant boost to industrial development in western Odisha, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Tuesday inaugurated India's first flat rolled products (FRP) aluminium unit at the Aditya Aluminium plant of Hindalco Industries Limited in Lapanga, Sambalpur district. The event marked the beginning of his two-day tour to the region and included the laying of foundation stones for the company's ambitious expansion plans.
Major Industrial Investments Announced
During the ceremony, the Chief Minister inaugurated multiple high-value industrial projects that promise to transform the economic landscape of western Odisha. The newly inaugurated FRP aluminium unit represents an investment of Rs 5,000 crore, while a specialized battery foil unit worth Rs 834 crore was also unveiled. Additionally, Majhi laid the foundation stone for the expansion of the smelter plant, which involves a massive investment of Rs 21,162 crore.
According to a government statement, these industrial initiatives are expected to generate more than 5,000 direct jobs, significantly bolstering downstream manufacturing capabilities and creating new livelihood opportunities throughout the region. The projects mark a strategic push toward establishing western Odisha as a manufacturing powerhouse.
Vision for Western Odisha's Transformation
Addressing the gathering, Chief Minister Majhi highlighted the remarkable transformation of western Odisha from predominantly forest and farmland areas into what he described as "a symbol of confidence, discipline and enterprise." He emphasized that the region is rapidly evolving into a global manufacturing hub, with a new industrial revolution underway across the state.
"A new industrial revolution is underway in Odisha," Majhi declared, revealing that the state has received fresh investment proposals totaling approximately Rs 20 lakh crore. Once operational, these proposals could potentially create around 15 lakh jobs, fundamentally reshaping the state's economic prospects.
People-Centric Development Approach
The Chief Minister articulated a development philosophy that prioritizes tangible improvements in citizens' lives over mere investment figures. "Development should be measured not by investments or announcements, but by real change in people's lives — jobs for youth, security for families, and better education and healthcare," he stated.
Majhi emphasized that western Odisha is emerging as a global industrial hub where world-class investments align seamlessly with people-centric development goals. He urged local communities to welcome industrial growth, asserting that "Industry is a key foundation of our prosperous future."
Employment Generation and Local Participation
Hindalco Managing Director Satish Pai provided additional context about the scale of these industrial initiatives, revealing that the total investment across all projects is envisaged at approximately Rs 50,000 crore. This substantial investment is expected to generate employment for around 15,000 youths, with about 4,500 women finding new employment opportunities across Hindalco facilities in Keonjhar, Rayagada, and Sambalpur districts.
Sambalpur MLA Jayanarayan Mishra, who attended the event, emphasized the importance of generating employment for local residents. He recalled that during his tenure as labour minister, he had submitted proposals advocating for priority employment opportunities for locals in industrial projects.
Enterprise Odisha Exhibition Inaugurated
Later in the day, Chief Minister Majhi inaugurated the 25th CII Enterprise Odisha Exhibition 2026 in Rourkela. This major industrial exhibition features leading companies from various sectors showcasing their capabilities, innovations, and industrial growth stories. The inaugural evening was marked by a vibrant cultural programme and Rourkela's first-ever drone show, symbolizing the technological advancement coming to the region.
On the second day of his tour, Majhi is scheduled to inaugurate and lay foundation stones for multiple additional projects while participating in sectoral roundtables and Business-to-Government (B2G) meetings as part of the Enterprise Odisha initiative. These engagements underscore the government's commitment to fostering public-private partnerships and accelerating industrial growth across western Odisha.
