Odisha launches a 17-member task force to fast-track ₹17 lakh crore industrial projects and boost employment
OdishaPlus Bureau
The government of Odisha has established a high-level task force aimed at accelerating industrial development by facilitating the prompt initiation of proposed investments and hastening the completion of outstanding infrastructure projects within the state.
This 17-member task force, led by the chief secretary, will conduct regular assessments of significant industrial initiatives and promote inter-departmental collaboration to swiftly address any obstacles encountered.
The committee has been assigned the responsibility of resolving challenges related to mining, industry, energy, water resources, highways, mobile connectivity, and projects overseen by the Project Monitoring Group (PMG), as well as the Proactive Governance and Timely Implementation (PRAGATI) initiative.
This initiative follows the state’s successful attraction of investment intentions totaling Rs 16.73 lakh crore during the Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, which took place in January. The proposals encompass 593 industrial projects spanning over 20 sectors, with an anticipated job creation potential of 12.88 lakh positions.
During a recent investors’ meeting in New Delhi, the state also finalized Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) exceeding Rs 1 lakh crore, which include substantial investments from Indian Oil and Petronet LNG. Numerous railway and national highway projects have faced prolonged delays due to insufficient statutory clearances and land acquisition issues.
According to sources from the industries department, the task force will serve as a central body to oversee implementation schedules, expedite approvals, and tackle project-specific challenges in real time. The state government is committed to ensuring that these proposed projects are initiated as soon as possible, thereby fostering job creation and stimulating economic growth.
The Mohan Majhi administration has established a comprehensive strategy aimed at transforming the state into a manufacturing and investment center over the next ten years. With a focus on sustainable growth, the government has set an ambitious goal to elevate Odisha to a developed state by 2036, aligning with the centenary of its statehood.
An official stated, “The state’s proactive stance, investor-friendly policies, and streamlined single-window facilitation have greatly enhanced the business environment. The state has entered into memorandums of understanding with various companies in specialized sectors. The task force is anticipated to be instrumental in converting these MoUs and investment intentions into tangible outcomes while also expediting ongoing projects.”
