States » EastPosted at: Oct 22 2026 6:06PM


Odisha eyes chemical-led industrial revolution; CM Majhi woos investors at India Chem 2026

Bhubaneswar, October 22 (UNI) Odisha is poised to transform its industrial landscape by shifting from a mineral-driven economy to a chemical-led industrial powerhouse, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Thursday, highlighting the State’s strategic location, port infrastructure, mineral wealth and expanding investment opportunities as key drivers of its next phase of industrial growth.
Addressing the 14th edition of India Chem 2026 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai, Majhi outlined Odisha’s vision of emerging as a major hub for chemicals and petrochemicals, with a strong focus on downstream industries, advanced manufacturing, green energy and value addition to the State’s natural resources.
The Chief Minister underscored the strategic importance of Paradip, Gopalpur and Dhamra ports, which provide vital connectivity to domestic and international markets and strengthen Odisha’s potential to attract large-scale investments in the chemicals and petrochemicals sector.
Highlighting the State’s existing industrial infrastructure, Majhi pointed to the Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR), Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s refinery and petrochemical complex, and the Plastic Park at Paradip as major catalysts for developing downstream industries. These facilities, he said, offer significant opportunities in polymers, packaging, technical textiles and other value-added products.
Odisha is also exploring emerging investment opportunities in refrigerants, fluorochemicals, green hydrogen and green ammonia at Gopalpur, alongside coal-gasification-based projects at Talcher and Lakhanpur. These initiatives are expected to strengthen domestic manufacturing, diversify the State’s industrial base and expand its contribution to India’s chemicals and petrochemicals value chain.
Emphasising Odisha’s growing investment momentum, Majhi said nearly 200 industrial units had been established in the State in less than two-and-a-half years, representing investments of approximately Rs 3.52 lakh crore.
He further stated that Odisha had received investment proposals exceeding Rs 22.50 lakh crore, of which more than Rs 12.50 lakh crore had been approved by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA).
The Chief Minister also highlighted the outcome of Odisha’s investor outreach in the United Arab Emirates in September 2026, during which investment proposals worth approximately Rs 2.5 lakh crore were received. Of this amount, around Rs 2.10 lakh crore came from International Holding Company (IHC).
These developments, he said, reflect growing investor confidence in Odisha’s industrial potential and the State’s efforts to establish itself as a preferred destination for domestic and international investors.
Majhi stressed that Odisha’s investor-friendly industrial policies, improving infrastructure, skilled workforce and institutional support provide a strong foundation for sustainable industrial expansion.
He highlighted the role of institutions such as the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET) in supporting technical education, research, skill development and industry-oriented innovation.
According to the Chief Minister, closer collaboration among the government, industry, research institutions and investors will be crucial to building a competitive chemical manufacturing ecosystem and unlocking the full potential of Odisha’s resources.
Inviting investors to explore opportunities across the State, Majhi said Odisha was ready to play a significant role in achieving India’s ambition of building a USD 1 trillion chemicals industry by 2040.
The three-day India Chem 2026 event, organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals under the Government of India in association with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), will continue until October 24.
The event aims to strengthen India’s position in the global chemicals and petrochemicals industry by promoting investment, technological innovation, advanced manufacturing and international collaboration.
India’s chemicals and petrochemicals sector is projected to reach USD 300 billion by 2030 and USD 1 trillion by 2040, underscoring the sector’s growing significance in the country’s industrial and economic development.
Japan is the partner country and Madhya Pradesh the partner state at this year’s event, which has brought together international delegates, exhibitors, business leaders, policymakers and industry representatives to explore new avenues for investment and cooperation.
The inaugural session was attended by union Minister of Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Jagat Prakash Nadda; union Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare and Chemicals and Fertilizers Anupriya Patel; Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis; Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Dr Mohan Yadav; and other senior government officials and industry leaders.
India Chem 2026 is expected to facilitate new business partnerships, investment commitments and technology collaborations, supporting India’s ambition to emerge as a globally competitive and sustainable chemicals manufacturing hub.
For Odisha, the event provides an important platform to showcase its industrial strengths, attract strategic investments and accelerate its transition towards a diversified, value-added and chemical-led economy.
UNI DP
Tags: #Odisha eyes chemical-led industrial revolution; CM Majhi woos investors at India Chem 2026
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