Odisha CM Seeks Centre's Support for Industrial and Green Development

Odisha CM Mohan Charan Majhi called for the Centre's assistance in establishing large-scale port-based industrial zones and creating disaster-resilient infrastructure. He urged financial aid for green energy projects, special metals production, increased railway density, and more bank branches in gram panchayats during the NITI Aayog meeting.

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday appealed for the Centre’s support to establish large-scale port-based industrial zones in the state and financial assistance for disaster-resilient infrastructure. Speaking at the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, Majhi highlighted Odisha’s leadership in disaster management and its need for central backing in sectors such as power, telecom, and coastal embankment development.

Majhi emphasized the state’s plans to adopt a port-led development model, aiming to become the gateway to eastern and southeastern Asia as well as a service hub for neighboring landlocked states. He called for support in developing industrial zones near the existing ports of Dhamra and Gopalpur and further greenfield port projects at locations including Astaranga, Palur, Bahuda, and Subarnarekha.

The Chief Minister also requested the transfer of 4,399 acres of central government-owned salt pan land in Ganjam district and financial aid for pumped hydro storage, floating solar projects, and an intrastate green energy transmission corridor. Additionally, he stressed the importance of more bank branches and ATMs in unbanked gram panchayats to ensure financial inclusion.

Majhi noted Odisha’s rich mineral resources and production capabilities, seeking central aid to move up the value chain by producing metals and alloys for aerospace and defence. He also highlighted the need to increase railway density and incentivize ecological services to compensate for limited land use due to high forest cover.

Further emphasizing Odisha’s potential in the tech sector, Majhi urged support for attracting foreign direct investment and advanced technology for semiconductor design and manufacturing.