The JSW Group has unveiled an ambitious blueprint for Jagatsinghpur, Odisha, encompassing the establishment of an integrated steel plant, power plant, port facility, and cement plant, all backed by a significant investment totaling Rs 65,000 crore.
At the heart of this initiative lies the steel plant, projected to achieve an impressive annual production capacity of 13.2 million tons. This massive undertaking is not only poised to boost the region’s industrial landscape but also promises to generate a substantial employment surge, with an estimated 30,000 job opportunities anticipated to arise.
Parallel to the steel plant, the port and jetty project is set to revolutionize cargo handling, aiming to accommodate a staggering 52 million tons of cargo annually. Likewise, the cement plant targets an annual output of 10 million tons, further contributing to the region’s industrial prowess. Moreover, to facilitate the transportation of iron ore, an efficient slurry transportation system with a capacity of 30 million tons per annum is also in the works.
In facilitating this grand vision, the Industrial Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO) has allocated a sprawling 2,958 acres of land for the integrated manufacturing facility. A noteworthy aspect of this allocation is the dedication of 30% of the total land for the preservation of forests and water bodies, underscoring a commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainable development.
The story of this endeavor traces back to the initial earmarking of the land for Korean Steel Major Posco in 2005, with ambitious plans for a 12 MTPA steel plant involving a staggering Rs 52,000 crore investment. However, despite the grand vision, the project encountered significant hurdles, primarily driven by local opposition, ultimately leading to Posco’s withdrawal in 2017.
However, the narrative took a new turn when the JSW Group stepped in, breathing new life into the ambitious project. Despite initial challenges, including a setback last year when the National Green Tribunal suspended its licence to establish the steel plant, the JSW Group remains undeterred in its commitment to realizing this transformative vision for Jagatsinghpur, Odisha.
