CM Majhi Unveils Major Development Push for Keonjhar

Mega steel plant, IT plans and Rs 1.20 lakh crore investment pipeline highlighted during district visit

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced a series of development initiatives and outlined a long-term vision for transforming Keonjhar during his visit to the district. The CM, who hails from Keonjhar, received a warm and emotional welcome as thousands gathered to greet him with traditional dance, music, and cultural displays.

Majhi participated in several programmes throughout the day, including a marathon event, a public meeting, and the inauguration of a football final match. His visit focused on Keonjhar’s growing prospects as a major industrial and economic hub in Odisha.

During his public address, the Chief Minister emphasised that Keonjhar is on the verge of significant industrial expansion. He highlighted the emergence of a mega steel project and growing interest from the IT sector, marking the beginning of a transformative phase for the mineral-rich region.

Majhi revealed that development proposals worth more than Rs 1.20 lakh crore are currently in progress across the district. “Odisha will be prosperous, and Keonjhar will shine bright like gold. The people of Keonjhar have long prayed for such a future,” he told the crowd, assuring them that long-awaited industrial growth is finally taking shape.

He noted that efforts are underway to secure investments for a large-scale steel plant, which will leverage the district’s abundant iron ore reserves. Discussions are also ongoing to set up IT parks to widen employment opportunities for local youth and diversify the district’s economic base.

The Chief Minister began his day at Anandpur B N High School ground before joining a marathon event and attending a wedding ceremony at the Municipality Kalyan Mandap. He later travelled to his native village, Raikala, where the atmosphere turned festive as thousands welcomed him with drums, dhols, and tribal performances. At the village stadium, Majhi inaugurated the football final match and interacted with the crowd, many of whom had gathered hours in advance for a glimpse of the CM.

A major highlight of the Chief Minister’s speech was the proposed mega steel plant being developed in Keonjhar. Earlier reports indicate that the project is a joint venture between JSW Group and POSCO, with an initial production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum. Valued at approximately Rs 40,000 crore, the plant is expected to manufacture hot-rolled, cold-rolled, and galvanised steel, with provisions for future expansion.

Officials estimate that the project will not only accelerate the district’s industrial growth but also create substantial employment opportunities, supporting both skilled and unskilled workers. The venture aims to maximise value addition within the district by utilising local iron ore resources—an effort that aligns with Odisha’s broader goals of promoting mineral-based industries and enhancing local economic development.

Majhi reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring that industrial growth translates into tangible benefits for residents, promising efficient support to companies investing in the district while safeguarding local interests.

The Chief Minister’s visit has been widely viewed as a reassurance of the state government’s focus on balanced regional development and its intent to position Keonjhar as a major centre for industry, infrastructure, and innovation in the coming years.