Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for a Rs 100 crore textile park and a Rs 187 crore disaster recovery and data centre in Keonjhar today.
The ceremony took place at Dharanidhar University campus, marking a major step in industrial diversification and digital infrastructure development in the district.
The Chief Minister said Keonjhar will not remain known only for mines and steel. He emphasised the government’s commitment to transform the district into a hub of multi-sectoral industrial growth. He described the vision as building a “Golden Keonjhar.”
The textile park will create 1,200 jobs for youth and women. Hindalco will establish a garment production unit on seven acres of land, with an annual capacity of 24 lakh garments. Majhi highlighted the transformative potential of the textile sector, calling it a pillar of prosperity and a source of large-scale employment.
He recalled that during the O-Tex Textile Conclave in Bhubaneswar last July, 33 MoUs worth Rs 7,800 crore were signed, creating employment opportunities for over 53,000 people across Odisha. Dedicated textile and apparel parks are being set up in Keonjhar, Sambalpur, Balangir, Ganjam, Cuttack, Jagatsinghpur, and Bhadrak.
The disaster recovery and data centre, developed by the Electronics and IT Department through OCAC, will serve as a backup to the state data centre in Bhubaneswar. It will ensure the uninterrupted delivery of over 400 online government services during natural disasters or cyber threats. Majhi said Keonjhar’s low seismic risk makes it an ideal location for the project.
The Chief Minister reiterated the government’s focus on balanced regional development, citing Rs 312 crore allocated for temple development and Rs 1,900 crore projects launched during the Makar festival. He said industrial growth and digital strength will drive Odisha’s journey toward a developed India.
