India Chem 2026 / CM Majhi Pitches Odisha’s Role in $1 Trillion Chemical Industry Vision

Mumbai, Oct 22: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivered a keynote address at India Chem 2026, underlining the state’s pivotal role in India’s ambitious plan to transform its chemical industry into a $1 trillion sector by 2040.

He emphasized Odisha’s readiness to contribute significantly to this national goal, citing the state’s mineral wealth, industrial infrastructure, and strategic location.

CM Majhi noted that the NITI Aayog has already prepared a roadmap for achieving the trillion-dollar target, stressing that Odisha’s strengths in steel and aluminium production create a natural demand for industrial gases, acids, and water treatment chemicals.

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This, he said, provides a strong foundation for the growth of downstream chemical industries in the state.

From Mineral-Based to Chemical-Based Economy 

The Chief Minister outlined Odisha’s vision to transition from a mineral-based economy to a chemical-driven industrial economy. Leveraging natural resources, industrial clusters, and port connectivity, he said the state is poised to become a hub for chemical and petrochemical investments.

Port Infrastructure and Petrochemical Ecosystem 

Highlighting Odisha’s three major ports — Paradip, Gopalpur, and Dhamra — CM Majhi explained how they provide access to raw materials, industrial land, domestic markets, and international trade routes.

He pointed to Paradip’s PCPIR zone, which houses Indian Oil’s 15 million tonne refinery and a ₹61,000 crore petrochemical complex, as a major driver of polymer, packaging, and textile industries. The upcoming plastic park at Paradip, he added, will further boost ancillary industries.

New Projects across Odisha 

CM Majhi detailed ongoing projects, including refrigerant and fluorochemical units at Gopalpur, green hydrogen and ammonia ventures, coal gasification-based urea production at Talcher, and ammonium nitrate facilities at Lakhanpur. Together, these projects aim to establish Odisha as a major chemical industry center.

Investment Climate and Achievements 

The Chief Minister highlighted Odisha’s ranking among the top five states in NITI Aayog’s 2026 Investment Friendliness Index and its first-place position in the Fiscal Health Index.

He said the state has attracted nearly ₹3.52 lakh crore investments across 200 industrial units in less than three years, with proposals exceeding ₹22.5 lakh crore. Of these, projects worth ₹12.5 lakh crore have already received approval from the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA).

Global Investor Interest 

CM Majhi recalled Odisha’s participation in the UAE Investors’ Meet in September 2026, which yielded proposals worth ₹2.5 lakh crore, including ₹2.1 lakh crore from International Holding Company (IHC). These proposals span chemicals, petrochemicals, and critical minerals.

Research, Skills, and Employment 

The Odisha Chief Minister stressed the importance of linking industrial investment with research, technology, and skill development. Institutions like ICT and CIPET are providing testing and training facilities, while new projects are expected to generate employment opportunities for Odisha’s youth through downstream industries and allied sectors.

Call to Investors 

Concluding his address, CM Majhi invited both domestic and international investors to explore opportunities in Odisha. “Small or large, Odisha is ready for every project. The government will support investors at every step to ensure successful implementation,” he assured.