In a landmark decision that blends industrial ambition with women-centric development, the Odisha State Cabinet has approved the turnkey tender process for a dedicated Women Workers’ Hostel at Kalibeti Industrial Area in Khordha district.
To be executed by the Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO), the project will create safe, modern accommodation for 4,000 women workers and is expected to become a game-changer for the state’s fast-growing textile and apparel sector.
Kalibeti Industrial Estate has already emerged as a magnet for major global and domestic players. Companies such as MAS Holdings, EPIC, and Indian Stitches have made significant investments here, with projections of generating more than 20,000 jobs in the coming years. Given that women constitute 65-70% of the global textile workforce, the state government recognised the urgent need for secure, well-equipped housing close to the workplace.
The new hostel will go far beyond basic accommodation. It will feature comprehensive social and community infrastructure, ensuring safety, comfort, and a productivity-boosting environment. Workers will benefit from reduced travel time, lower personal expenses, faster turnaround for industries, and an overall safer, more supportive ecosystem.
The project carries an estimated cost of ₹210.36 crore and will be fully funded by SASCI. Construction is slated for completion within 24 months, making the facility operational by mid-2028.
Briefing the media after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary Anu Garg emphasised that the initiative is a priority for the state to support women workers while accelerating Odisha’s vision of becoming a textile and apparel powerhouse.
This development is being hailed as a milestone in inclusive industrial growth. By investing in the safety and well-being of women workers, Odisha is not only strengthening its industrial ecosystem but also setting a progressive example for the rest of the country.
