Vedanta Group’s Chairman, Anil Agarwal, has disclosed a major investment initiative worth ₹1 lakh crore in Odisha, which will focus on areas such as aluminium production, mining, refining, and downstream manufacturing.

This bold strategy was presented after a meeting with Odisha’s Chief Minister, Mohan Charan Majhi, on Saturday, September 26. The plan emphasizes the need for quicker land allocation and governmental approvals to facilitate project execution within the next two and a half to three years.

The investment encompasses the establishment of a refinery in Raigarh and a smelter, as well as enhancements in bauxite and aluminium production capabilities.

Furthermore, Vedanta aims to expand its existing operations at the Jharsuguda facility, proposing a new two million-tonne plant on 500 acres adjacent to the current power plant.

It is anticipated that this investment will create a minimum of 50,000 jobs, both directly and indirectly, while positioning Odisha as a leading hub for aluminium production in India.

Key projects outlined include a three million-tonne per annum aluminium smelter in Dhenkanal and a six million-tonne per annum alumina refinery in Rayagada, in addition to establishing downstream aluminium parks throughout the state.

Agarwal noted that the implementation of these projects could begin without delay, contingent on ongoing cooperation from the government, highlighting that the speed of progress would largely rely on the efficiency of land allotment and regulatory approvals.

In addition to industrial advancements, Vedanta has proposed significant social infrastructure projects, including the development of a 1,000-bed hospital in western Odisha, a digital university, and a research center dedicated to finding treatments for diseases like cancer.