The Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has made a substantial effort to bolster the industrial framework in Odisha and improve the state’s Ease of Doing Business (EoDB) through a range of governance reforms, infrastructure enhancements, and initiatives tailored for investors.
This announcement followed a pivotal stakeholders’ meeting led by IDCO Chairperson and Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, who reiterated the corporation’s dedication to transparent governance, expeditious decision-making, and ongoing dialogue with industry participants.
During the meeting, held at IDCO’s Bhubaneswar headquarters, representatives from major industry associations, MSME organizations, sectoral chambers, and regional trade bodies convened with senior IDCO officials to address various challenges related to industrial infrastructure, land allotment, logistics, utilities, regulatory approvals, and investment facilitation. Recommendations were exchanged to further enhance Odisha’s business landscape.
Usha Padhee emphasized that engaging stakeholders and promptly addressing industrial concerns are essential for cultivating a competitive and investor-friendly industrial environment.
IDCO has reported significant progress in expanding its industrial land bank, facilitating major investments, and enhancing the state’s industrial infrastructure over the past two years. Key accomplishments include:
- Expansion of the Industrial Land Bank by approximately 6,000 acres
- Transfer of 6,027 acres to large and medium-sized enterprises
- Land allotment for 93 significant industrial initiatives
- Development of 30 Multi-Product MSME Parks throughout Odisha
- Creation of sector-specific parks catering to electronics, textiles, plastics, seafood processing, and aluminium industries
IDCO oversees around 150 Industrial Estates, Industrial Areas, and MSME Parks, encompassing over 14,095 acres of developed industrial land, which supports 6,661 industrial units across the state.
Additionally, IDCO revealed it is currently executing 147 industrial infrastructure projects valued at more than ₹3,500 crore. Moreover, 117 new projects worth over ₹1,870 crore have been proposed under the Industrial Infrastructure Development Fund (IIDF) and SASCI schemes to further enhance industrial connectivity and infrastructure.
To streamline procedures and enhance the investor experience, IDCO has introduced several governance reforms, including:
- Permitting full use of the allowable Floor Area Ratio (FAR) without the need for Transferable Development Rights (TDR) certificates
- Eliminating ground coverage limitations for industrial buildings, flatted factories, and IT/ITES facilities
- Implementing automated issuance of mortgage No Objection Certificates (NOCs) through integration with allotment letters
- Launching a digital Industrial Land Bank platform to enhance transparency and accessibility
- Aiming to finalize land allotment, lease execution, and physical possession within one month following approval from the Land Allotment Committee
Padhee also urged industry associations to collectively submit standardized industrial building designs for pre-approval, which would further expedite the approval process.
In response to concerns raised by industry representatives, IDCO detailed several ongoing infrastructure projects, including:
- Restoration of water supply at the Khordha Industrial Estate
- Submission of drainage proposals for the Jagatpur Industrial Estate for approval
- Expansion of smart street lighting systems across industrial estates
- Infrastructure improvements worth nearly ₹500 crore in seven major industrial estates, focusing on roads, drainage, utilities, and civic amenities
Recognizing the rapid development of Bhubaneswar’s Infocity, which employs nearly 30,000 people, IDCO is also pursuing a Multi-Level Car Parking project and identifying additional land to alleviate parking shortages. Plans include establishing common fire-hydrant systems and enhancing industrial security across key industrial estates.
The meeting saw participation from prominent industry organizations such as UCCI, CII, FICCI, ASSOCHAM, ICC, World Trade Centre Bhubaneswar, FIEO, OASME, OSSIA, NOCCI, RCCI, BCIC, TiE Bhubaneswar, NASSCOM, alongside various sector-specific associations and networks of women entrepreneurs.
The gathering concluded with a mutual commitment between IDCO and industry stakeholders to institutionalize regular consultations, expedite the development of industrial infrastructure, simplify regulatory processes, and enhance Odisha’s attractiveness as one of India’s prime investment hubs.
