Keonjhar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced today that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) will be signed to establish a mega steel plant in Keonjhar district during the upcoming Utkarsh Odisha: Make in Odisha 2025 conclave. The high-profile event, showcasing investment opportunities in Odisha, is scheduled to take place on January 28-29 at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar.

The proposed greenfield steel plant will be developed by JSW Group in partnership with South Korean steel giant POSCO, marking a significant investment in the mineral-rich region. The integrated steel facility is expected to have a production capacity of 5 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), boosting industrial growth and employment in Keonjhar.

Two potential sites have been identified for the project. The primary location is a 2,500-acre tract near the Odisha Tea Plantation Ltd (OTPL) in Taramakant under Banspal block, while the second, spanning 1,956 acres in Patna, was previously earmarked for ArcelorMittal. The state government aims to finalize land allocation to facilitate rapid project implementation.

Development Efforts Gain Momentum in Keonjhar

Chief Minister Majhi emphasized that the steel plant aligns with his government’s top-priority agenda to accelerate Keonjhar’s development. “Our focus is on comprehensive growth across all sectors, including health, education, and infrastructure,” he stated during his visit to the district.

As part of ongoing infrastructure improvements, Majhi inaugurated a newly constructed bridge in Jhumpura that spans 67 meters with a 175-meter approach road. Connecting Jhumpura and Ukhunda, the bridge is expected to benefit 10,000 residents daily by easing transportation and enhancing local connectivity.

Celebrating Tradition and Progress

The Chief Minister’s three-day visit to Keonjhar began with his participation in Makar Sankranti celebrations at Anasuya Ghat in Patna, where he took a ceremonial dip in the Baitarani river. Welcomed with traditional fanfare, Majhi offered prayers at the Parameswar Temple. Speaking to reporters, he reiterated his government’s commitment to turning Keonjhar into a hub of industrial and socio-economic advancement, with the steel plant marking a major step toward that vision.

The Utkarsh Odisha Conclave is expected to attract significant investment commitments across multiple sectors, reinforcing Odisha’s position as a preferred destination for industrial growth and sustainable development.