In a significant push for industrial diversification, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has announced the development of a comprehensive defence manufacturing ecosystem within the state. The focus will be on empowering Micro, Small, and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs), startups, skilled manpower, and precision manufacturing.
Hyderabad Roadshow Yields Massive Investment Commitments
The announcement followed a highly successful two-day investment outreach in Hyderabad last Thursday and Friday. Chief Minister Majhi, leading a high-level delegation, revealed that the roadshow resulted in investment commitments worth a staggering Rs 66,781 crore. This capital infusion is expected to generate 56,340 employment opportunities for the people of Odisha.
The delegation conducted an impressive 73 high-level meetings and held two sectoral roundtables. One roundtable engaged with eight major pharmaceutical companies, while another brought together 27 defence-related firms. Majhi noted that while both pharmaceuticals and defence are currently negligible sectors in Odisha, the overwhelming investor interest marks a promising shift towards a more diversified economy.
Building a Defence and Aerospace Corridor
A key outcome of the visit was the deepening of Odisha's engagement with India's growing defence and space-production network. Preparations are now underway to begin missile component manufacturing in the state. During the roadshow, the CM and senior officials visited Bharat Dynamics Limited (BDL) in Hyderabad, a leading defence equipment manufacturer, to explore collaborations and technology transfer.
"The response was very encouraging and satisfying. Industrialists now clearly see Odisha’s industrial environment, infrastructure, and policy-driven growth model," Majhi stated. He expressed confidence that Odisha is on course to become India’s "largest investment hub."
From Intent to Reality: The Utkarsh Odisha Vision
The Chief Minister provided a broader context of the state's industrial progress. Since the launch of the Utkarsh Odisha-2025 initiative, projects worth Rs 4,38,224 crore have been approved, promising 2,55,817 jobs. Notably, in just the last 18 months, industrial projects worth Rs 2.10 lakh crore have been inaugurated or grounded, ensuring employment for 1,63,725 people.
The Hyderabad visit specifically secured 13 formal Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) worth Rs 27,650 crore, which will create 15,905 jobs. Additionally, the state received nine investment intent filings, unlocking a potential Rs 39,131 crore in future investment and 40,435 jobs.
Majhi outlined the immediate roadmap, which includes an upcoming "Enterprise Odisha" event in Rourkela on January 28-29, 2026, followed by an industrial conclave in Kolkata. To further improve the ease of doing business, the state government is in the process of making 23 amendments to streamline and update outdated laws.
The Chief Minister was accompanied by Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain, Handloom and Textiles Minister Pradeep Bal Samant, School and Mass Education Minister Nityananda Gond, MSME Minister Gokula Nanda Mallik, Chief Whip Saroj Pradhan, and senior officials from the industries department.
"As Utkarsh Odisha-2025 nears its first anniversary, the success of the Hyderabad visit marks an important chapter in our industrial journey. Our efforts are genuinely turning intent into reality," Majhi concluded, signalling a new era of high-tech, employment-oriented industrial growth for the state.
