India Steel 2025: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi delivered a compelling address at the prestigious India Steel 2025 conference in Mumbai, positioning Odisha as the steel capital of India and inviting global investors to participate in its industrial transformation.
Speaking at the gathering of industry stalwarts, Majhi called Mumbai the “vibrant financial capital of India” and emphasized Odisha’s critical role in India’s steel and mining sectors. “Steel is the mother industry of Odisha,” he declared with pride, adding that the state accounts for more than 55% of India’s iron ore production, making it the top contributor.
“I come from the land of Lord Jagannath,” said Majhi, invoking blessings for all attendees. Highlighting his personal connect, he noted that his home district, Kendujhar, contributes over 50% of Odisha’s iron ore output. “I’ve seen mining companies grow in my backyard. This deep connection drives me to champion this sector,” he said.
Underlining the government’s proactive approach, Majhi spoke of reforms and achievements since assuming office. These include successful mineral auctions following the MMDR Act amendment in 2015, with 44 major blocks already auctioned and eight more underway. The state aims to auction an additional 22 blocks by March 2026, ensuring a robust supply of key raw materials.
Majhi projected that India’s iron ore demand will rise to 340 million tons by 2030-31, with Odisha poised to supply 240–245 million tons, increasing its national share to an impressive 70%.
He further highlighted Odisha’s dominance in coal production, stating that 16 operational coal mines contribute 24% of India’s total coal output. In FY 2024–25 alone, Odisha produced 178 million tons of iron ore, 3.18 million tons of chromite, and 269 million tons of coal.
\”Everything you need—iron ore, coal, limestone—is available right here in Odisha,\” Majhi said, assuring the industry of consistent mineral availability as steel production capacity expands.
Currently home to 54 integrated steel plants with a combined capacity of 41.21 million tons per annum, Odisha aspires to scale up to 130 million tons of annual production by 2030, which will require 190 million tons of iron ore.
Majhi also spotlighted the state’s Long Term Linkage Policy under the Odisha Mining Corporation (OMC), which ensures transparent and timely raw material allocation. OMC aims to scale its production to 75 million tons of iron ore by 2029–30.
Looking ahead, Majhi outlined a vision to move “from resource extraction to value creation,” citing the Vision 2036 Industrial Roadmap that focuses on manufacturing, mining machinery, transport systems, and components for the defense and aerospace sectors.
Odisha’s transformation, he emphasized, goes hand-in-hand with social progress. “We’re investing in education, skilling, healthcare, and housing to ensure our workers and their families are empowered,” said Majhi.
He credited the alignment with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Viksit Bharat 2047 vision as a key driver of infrastructure investments in railways, highways, airports, and logistics hubs across Odisha.
With a single-window clearance system and dedicated facilitation teams, the state has emerged as one of the most investment-ready destinations in India.
Closing his address with an open invitation, CM Majhi said, “Come, invest in Odisha and be part of the Samruddha Odisha growth story. Yehi Samay Hai, Sahi Samay Hai!”
