TNI Bureau: Odisha has secured a place among the top five states in NITI Aayog’s Investment Friendliness Index 2026, emerging as the only state from eastern and northern India to feature in the top performers’ list. Following the achievement, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi was felicitated by industrialists, industry representatives and trade bodies at Lok Seva Bhawan.
According to the index, Gujarat topped the rankings with 56.6 points, followed by Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu and Goa. Odisha secured the fifth position with 52.4 points and ranked fourth among the large states category.
Speaking on the occasion, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said the recognition by NITI Aayog was a major encouragement for Team Odisha and the state’s industrial community. He said the government’s aim is not only to remain among the top states in investment and industrial growth but also to place Odisha among the top five states in overall economic development.
Highlighting the state’s industrial progress, the Chief Minister said Odisha has attracted investment proposals worth about ₹20 lakh crore over the last two years. So far, 453 industrial projects have been approved, bringing a potential investment of ₹9.5 lakh crore. He added that 152 projects worth ₹3.11 lakh crore have been inaugurated or launched during this period, creating employment opportunities for around 2.5 lakh people.
Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the ranking reflects investors’ growing confidence in Odisha and demonstrates the state’s transformation into a leading investment destination. Electronics and Information Technology Minister Dr Mukesh Mahaling said Odisha has strengthened its position on India’s IT map under the leadership of the Chief Minister.
CII Odisha Chairman Anil Singh praised the collaborative efforts of industry, government and officials, expressing confidence that Odisha would improve its ranking further in the coming years. ICC Odisha Chairman Rajiv Sahu said Odisha has been leaving a significant footprint in the industrial sector almost every day over the past two years due to the Chief Minister’s visionary leadership.
CII representative Subrat Tripathy said Odisha’s pace of development is unprecedented and added that Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s vision of Purvoday is beginning to take shape through Odisha’s growth.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted the cooperation among various departments, including forest, water resources and revenue, in promoting industrialisation. Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Hemant Sharma also appreciated the Chief Minister’s commitment and efforts towards accelerating industrial development in the state. IPICOL Managing Director Aboli Sunil Naravane was present at the event.
