Odisha unveiled two major initiatives to reshape its industrial growth strategy by launching the GO-EAST platform and announcing key amendments to its Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) during the CII Eastern Regional Council Meeting 2026 in Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi launched these initiatives to accelerate industrialisation in backward districts, asserting that the state is no longer merely attracting investments but implementing them at a record pace. The CM emphasized that Odisha is poised to become the leading industrial destination in eastern India within the next five years and reaffirmed the state's commitment to attracting and swiftly implementing investments. The GO-EAST initiative stands for Government of Odisha – Eastern Investment Accelerator and Special Task Force, designed to attract investments from eastern and northeastern states by offering a dedicated facilitation mechanism, policy support and faster project implementation.
As reported by Business Standard, Odisha has demonstrated exceptional investment momentum with 477 projects worth nearly ₹9.5 trillion approved since June 2024, which are expected to generate around six lakh jobs. The state has achieved a remarkable milestone by grounding 40% of approved projects within one year, establishing a record in project implementation. The time required to establish industries has been significantly reduced from 400 days to less than 160 days under Deregulation 1.0 and 2.0, with the government now aiming to bring the approval period below 100 days. Of these approved projects, 12 projects involving investments exceeding ₹3.11 lakh crore have already entered the implementation stage and are nearing inauguration, demonstrating the state's ability not only to attract investments but also to execute them in record time.
According to reports from Business Standard, the state announced amendments to the IPR 2022 to promote non-mineral-based industries in 15 backward and less-industrialised districts, including Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Boudh and Gajapati. These districts will now receive 'Thrust Sector' status for the promotion of non-mineral-based industries, with the policy changes expected to encourage investments beyond Odisha's traditional mining sector and promote balanced regional development. The revised policy seeks to diversify Odisha's industrial landscape by promoting industries such as textiles, food processing, engineering, chemicals, electronics and other value-added manufacturing sectors in regions that have historically lagged in industrial development. Companies will receive additional incentives for investing in sectors beyond mining and minerals in these 15 districts.
The GO-EAST platform will enable industries to retain their existing manufacturing base and markets in their home states while expanding operations in Odisha with government support. To implement the initiative, the state government will constitute a Special Task Force to fast-track investment proposals, establish a dedicated GO-EAST Cell within the Industrial Promotion and Investment Corporation of Odisha (IPICOL), and introduce a new GO Swift digital module for real-time monitoring and tracking of investment approvals. The platform is particularly focused on Odisha's border districts, where new industrial growth centres are expected to emerge, driving inclusive industrialisation and creating employment opportunities in underserved regions. The state signed seven MoUs across six sectors including steel, metal downstream, textiles, power, green energy equipment and chemicals, representing an investment potential of approximately ₹24,823 crore and employment potential for nearly 29,500 persons.
According to reports from Business Standard, Additional Chief Secretary Hemant Sharma proposed the development of cross-border industrial corridors such as Rourkela-Raipur-Ranchi, Kharagpur-Balasore and Berhampur-Visakhapatnam, similar to successful manufacturing clusters like Hosur-Bengaluru, Surat-Mumbai and the Delhi-NCR region. Industries and Skill Development Minister Sampad Chandra Swain highlighted that Odisha's young workforce and industry-oriented skill development programmes have become competitive advantages, with the government equipping youth with modern industrial skills for ready access to trained manpower. The minister invited CII members to partner with the state in three core areas: identifying sector-wise investment opportunities to attract anchor investors and downstream units, connecting large industries with MSMEs to integrate local enterprises into national and global supply chains, and supporting initiatives to skill youth for the jobs of the future. The state is steadily diversifying beyond its mineral-based economy by promoting sectors such as steel, aluminium, chemicals, petrochemicals, semiconductors and electronics, with its 'Samruddha Odisha 2036' vision aligned with the national goal of 'Viksit Bharat 2047'.
