In a significant stride towards economic development, the Odisha government has inked Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with 11 companies, facilitating projects worth Rs 23,389 crore. These projects, spanning Jharsuguda, Sambalpur, and Sundergarh districts, are poised to create employment opportunities for 15,168 individuals. The MoUs were formalized during the Enterprise Odisha Summit in Jharsuguda, witnessed by senior state government officials and representatives from various companies.
Among the notable agreements, Epsilon Carbon Private Ltd committed a substantial investment of Rs 10,000 crore over the next decade. Additionally, Ind Barath Energy Utkal Ltd is set to establish an 800-MW ultra supercritical coal-based thermal power plant in Jharsuguda, entailing an investment of Rs 6,012.46 crore.
Vikram Handa, Managing Director of Epsilon Carbon, cited Jharsuguda’s industrial ecosystem, skilled labor availability, robust infrastructure, and industry-friendly policies as key factors making it an ideal location for mega projects. The collaborative efforts between the government and these companies reflect a shared commitment to fostering economic growth and employment opportunities in the region.
Prasanta Patnaik