Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi visited Keonjhar today to launch major development projects. During a ceremony at Dharanidhar University, he laid the foundation stones for a new Textile Park and a high-tech Data Centre. These projects represent a total investment of ₹287 crore and aim to transform the district’s economy beyond its traditional mining roots. 
Odisha CM Lays ₹287 Crore Foundation for Textile Park and Data Centre in Keonjhar


A New Chapter for Industry

The Chief Minister emphasized that Keonjhar will no longer be known only for its iron ore and steel plants. The government wants to turn the district into a diverse industrial hub.
"We are committed to making Keonjhar a center for various industries," CM Majhi told the gathering. "Our vision is to build a 'Golden Keonjhar' where growth reaches every sector."

The Textile Park: Creating Jobs for Youth

The new Textile Park will be built with an investment of ₹100 crore. Hindalco will set up an apparel manufacturing unit on seven acres of land within this park.
  • Employment: The project will create jobs for 1,200 young men and women.
  • Production: The facility aims to produce 24 lakh garments every year.
  • Wider Reach: This is part of a larger state plan. Similar parks are coming up in Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Cuttack, and Ganjam.
The Chief Minister noted that many skilled workers from Odisha currently travel to other states for textile jobs. By building these parks locally, the government wants to provide employment opportunities closer to home.

Securing the Digital Future

In addition to the industrial park, the CM launched a ₹187 crore Disaster Recovery and Data Centre. This project, managed by OCAC, serves a vital purpose for the state's digital security.
Keonjhar was chosen for this facility because it sits in Seismic Zone II, meaning it has a very low risk of earthquakes. This makes it a safe location to store sensitive government data. The center will act as a backup for the main State Data Centre in Bhubaneswar. If a natural disaster or a cyber-attack hits the capital, this Keonjhar facility will ensure that over 400 online government services continue to run without interruption.

Focus on Regional Growth

The Chief Minister also highlighted the government's focus on cultural and regional balance. He mentioned that ₹312 crore has been set aside for temple development in the district.
The event saw attendance from Keonjhar MP Ananta Nayak, local MLAs, District Collector Vishal Singh, and senior officials from Hindalco and OCAC. The CM concluded by saying that industrial growth and digital strength are the two main engines that will drive Odisha toward a prosperous future.