Odisha to Get Second Largest Steel Plant in Keonjhar

POSCO and JSW Steel join hands for mega facility; CM Majhi promises Rourkela-like development in Patna area

Bhubaneswar: In a historic development for Odisha’s industrial sector, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the state’s second largest steel plant will be set up in Keonjhar district. The mega facility, to be established in the mineral-rich Patna area, will be developed through a collaboration between global steel giant POSCO and India’s leading steelmaker JSW Steel.

The announcement marks a turning point for Keonjhar, which has long demanded a major industrial project to harness its abundant mineral resources.

The Chief Minister made the announcement after meeting citizens’ groups, social organisations, and elected representatives from Keonjhar at the State Guest House in Bhubaneswar. During the meeting, residents expressed gratitude for the long-awaited initiative.

Akhil Naik, MLA of Patna, and Fakir Naik, MLA of Telkoi, thanked the Chief Minister for his personal intervention in pushing the project forward. Both leaders said the steel plant would change the economic landscape of the district and create significant employment opportunities for local youth.

“The people of Keonjhar have been pressing for a steel plant in the district for many years. Previous governments did not act on this demand. The present government, with support from the Centre, has taken proactive steps to make it a reality,” Majhi said.

Highlighting the project’s potential, the Chief Minister said the steel plant will pave the way for the comprehensive development of Patna area in Keonjhar.

“With this plant, Patna will grow into a mega city like Rourkela, bringing large-scale employment, industrial growth, and modern infrastructure. The mineral-rich Keonjhar region will finally see its resources used for the benefit of its people,” Majhi said.

The announcement has generated optimism among residents, who believe the plant will accelerate urbanisation and industrialisation in one of the state’s most resource-rich yet underdeveloped districts.

The project is rooted in a recent collaboration between JSW Steel and the POSCO Group. The two steel majors recently signed a non-binding Heads of Agreement (HoA) to jointly explore the establishment of a six million tonnes per annum (MTPA) integrated steel plant in India. Keonjhar has now emerged as the preferred site for this venture.

Industry experts say the joint venture brings together POSCO’s global expertise and JSW’s domestic strength, making the project both feasible and future-ready.

Odisha is already India’s leading steel-producing state, with existing plants in Rourkela, Angul, and Jajpur driving industrial output. The proposed Keonjhar facility will further strengthen the state’s position as a steel hub, contributing significantly to both employment and revenue generation.

Officials said the new plant will also attract ancillary industries and spur investments in logistics, housing, and infrastructure in and around Keonjhar. The multiplier effect is expected to benefit small businesses, transporters, and service providers, creating a ripple of growth across the region.

While details on timelines and investment figures are yet to be finalised, the announcement has already raised expectations among the people of Keonjhar. Many see it as the beginning of a new industrial chapter for the district, one that promises to convert its mineral wealth into sustainable economic growth.

With POSCO and JSW Steel on board, the project carries both global recognition and national backing. For Odisha, it represents not just another steel plant but a transformative step toward balanced regional development.