Odisha targets chemical hub status beyond mineral-led growth: CM Majhi

New Delhi: Odisha is seeking to expand beyond its mineral-driven economy and emerge as a major chemical and petrochemical manufacturing hub, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Thursday, outlining investment opportunities across the state’s coastal and coal-rich industrial regions.

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Addressing the 14th edition of India Chem 2026 in Mumbai, Majhi said Odisha’s natural resources, port infrastructure and industrial ecosystem positioned it to play a larger role in India’s chemical industry, according to a statement from the Chief Minister’s Office.

Paradip anchors downstream push

Majhi highlighted the ports of Paradip, Gopalpur and Dhamra as key links to domestic and international markets.

He identified the Paradip Petroleum, Chemicals and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR), Indian Oil Corporation Limited’s refinery and petrochemical complex, and the Paradip Plastic Park as foundations for downstream investment in polymers, packaging and technical textiles.

At Gopalpur, he pointed to emerging opportunities in refrigerants, fluorochemicals, green hydrogen and green ammonia. Coal-gasification-based projects at Talcher and Lakhanpur could further diversify the state’s industrial base, he said.

"These initiatives could strengthen domestic manufacturing and expand Odisha's role in India's chemical and petrochemical value chain," he said.

Investment proposals cross Rs 22.50 lakh crore

Majhi said nearly 200 industrial units had been established in Odisha in less than two-and-a-half years, attracting investments of around Rs 3.52 lakh crore.

"Odisha has received investment proposals worth more than Rs 22.50 lakh crore, of which over Rs 12.50 lakh crore have been approved by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA)," he said.

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The chief minister cited the state’s industrial policies, infrastructure and skilled workforce as advantages for investors. He also highlighted institutional support from the Institute of Chemical Technology (ICT) and the Central Institute of Petrochemicals Engineering and Technology (CIPET).

"Odisha is ready to contribute at scale to realise India's one-trillion-dollar chemical dream by 2040," he said, inviting investors to explore opportunities across the state.

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