Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Wednesday launched the construction of the proposed JSW Steel project at Dhinkia near Paradip, calling it one of the largest industrial investments in the state and expressing confidence that the integrated steel complex would commence operations by 2029.
The project, developed by JSW Utkal Steel Limited, is anticipated to draw investments of nearly Rs 1.25 lakh crore. Approximately Rs 65,000 crore will be allocated for the steel manufacturing facility, while the remainder will be directed towards allied infrastructure and support systems.
The state government estimates that the project could create around 32,000 direct and indirect employment opportunities.
With a planned production capacity of 13.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), the plant is expected to enhance Odisha’s position as a key steel-producing hub in India.
During the event, Majhi contrasted the progress of this project with the previous POSCO proposal, which had been stalled for years despite a memorandum of understanding signed in 2005. The South Korean company ultimately withdrew from the project in 2017, and the land acquired for the abandoned venture was later transferred to JSW for redevelopment.
The Chief Minister stated that work on several critical units has now begun simultaneously, including the blast furnace, steel melting shop, coke oven, captive port, and sinter plant.
Although the original timeline suggested that construction would start only after the pellet plant’s completion by 2028, the state government expedited the process.
Majhi also announced plans to establish engineering colleges in Paradip and Balangir to enhance technical education and employment opportunities for local youth.
Emphasizing Odisha’s broader industrial goals, he mentioned that new steel projects are also in the pipeline for Dhenkanal and Keonjhar.
According to the government, 433 investment proposals worth Rs 8.5 lakh crore have been approved over the past two years, with the potential to generate more than five lakh jobs across various sectors.
