India Chem 2026: Odisha Eyes Petrochemical Push Beyond Mining with Mega Park

21 Oct 2026, 09:47 by Vinay Kakkad · KalingaTV

Mumbai: Seeking to steer its industrial economy beyond its traditional foundation of mining and metals, the Odisha government is mounting a targeted investment drive to draw global and domestic chemical and petrochemical manufacturers.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi arrives in Mumbai on Thursday to headline the state’s pitching efforts at India Chem 2026, where he is set to hold bilateral discussions with leadership delegations from more than 20 top industrial corporations.

During the two-day visit, Majhi will attend the event’s opening proceedings as well as an executive roundtable with industry chief executives convened by Union Minister of Chemicals and Fertilizers J P Nadda.

The Mumbai outreach centers on plans to construct an expansive, specialized chemical industrial hub intended to anchor operations across basic chemicals, petrochemicals, plastics, and industrial packaging. State officials will also showcase specialized technical presentations on commercial-scale coal gasification.

Hemant Sharma, Additional Chief Secretary for Odisha’s Industries, Home, and Information & Public Relations Departments, noted that the state’s presence at the forum enables senior policymakers to negotiate directly with corporate leaders, exhibit ready infrastructure, and build long-term partnerships. He pointed out that backing coal gasification alongside the proposed specialized industrial enclave will broaden opportunities for high-value downstream manufacturing and domestic job creation.

The drive follows an aggressive sectoral expansion over the past two years. Official data released Wednesday in Bhubaneswar indicates Odisha has secured investment commitments totaling Rs 1,93,087.94 crore across 56 chemical and petrochemical ventures, carrying an estimated direct and indirect employment potential of 1,12,324 personnel.

Project implementation has advanced steadily alongside capital pledges. Across the state, 27 chemical and petrochemical facilities—amounting to Rs 60,825.34 crore in capital outlay and accounting for 35,351 prospective jobs—have either broken ground or been commissioned.

Recent operational progress has centered heavily on the industrial corridor of Jajpur. Of 53 broader manufacturing projects tracked in that zone, Sharma noted that nine chemical-related initiatives have mobilized Rs 4,136 crore in capital, comprising five fully commissioned sites and four groundbreaking ceremonies that together are projected to generate 1,508 jobs.

State delegations in Mumbai will focus conversations on securing greenfield commitments, expanding operating facilities, and accelerating downstream processing hubs.

Odisha is participating in the Mumbai showcase alongside Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat, and Tamil Nadu, as states compete to secure capital allocations from chemical majors evaluating Indian capacity expansions.

(Source: ANI)