Odisha IT dept seeks 25 acres of land to set up new tech park in Bhubaneswar

At a time when Odisha is witnessing rapid progress with an IT boom and large investments pouring in during the recently concluded Utkarsh Odisha: Make In Odisha Conclave 2025, land hurdles threaten a slowdown. To address this, the Electronics and IT Department has requested 25 acres of unused land near Damana Square in Bhubaneswar for an IT park with world-class infrastructure.

The information was reported by The New Indian Express on Monday. While several IT companies are keen to set up units in Odisha, land scarcity has been reported from the present Infocity and Infovalleys in the state capital, with existing companies having already set up camp.

The reports stated that the E&IT Department has requested that the 25 acres of land, originally allotted to the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), be used for a new IT park since the plot has remained idle for a long time.

The IT Department emphasized that this dedicated facility will resolve the shortage of quality IT spaces and boost the state's IT sector growth, considering Bhubaneswar's growing prominence as a hub for IT, electronics, and semiconductors.

Notably, a significant portion of land in the Infovalley area was allotted to non-IT companies, Bhubaneswar lacks a well-developed IT park for IT, ITeS, electronics, semiconductor, and ESDM industries.

The land scarcity and the need for a new IT park in Damana also demand concern as Cognizant, announced plans in January, to set up its largest Indian IT campus in Bhubaneswar.

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It is worth noting that companies like SiCSem Pvt Ltd, RIR Power Ltd, and Heterogeneous Integrated Packaging Solutions Pvt Ltd are still awaiting land allotment. Moreover, Odisha received additional investment intents worth over Rs 20,900 crore in IT/ITeS, electronics, semiconductors, data centres, and ancillary sectors during the Utkarsh Odisha Conclave. If progress in land allocation remains slow then Odisha risks losing investment opportunities to cities like Bengaluru, Hyderabad, and Pune.

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As such, the state government may soon make a move in this regard to align with its plans to transform Odisha into an industrial hub with substantial investments and infrastructure development.

Land Allocation Issues Impact IT Investment

The scarcity of suitable land for IT companies in Odisha is becoming a critical issue that could potentially hinder the state's economic growth.

This delay has forced multinational corporations like Deloitte, Cognizant, and Concentrix to operate from rented accommodations at separate locations in Bhubaneswar. The situation is further complicated by the fact that a substantial portion of land in the Infovalley area has been allotted to non-IT companies.

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Odisha's Vision for Industrial and Economic Transformation

Notably, Odisha's ambitions extend beyond the IT sector, with a comprehensive vision for industrial and economic transformation. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, at the Make in Odisha Conclave 2025, outlined a bold vision for the state's future.

Odisha is being positioned as a gateway to South-East Asia, leveraging its historical trade ties to strengthen investments in manufacturing, technology, and the blue economy. The state has signed eight strategic MoUs with Singaporean companies, fostering cross-border investments and global partnerships.

Major industrial investments are also underway, with Tata Steel committing INR 80,000 crores, and new petrochemical, IT, renewable energy, and semiconductor industries taking shape in Paradip and Gopalpur.

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Future Outlook and Challenges for Odisha's Development

As Odisha moves towards 2025, the state anticipates growth through various government initiatives in infrastructure, education, renewable energy, and cultural tourism. However, challenges remain, particularly in land acquisition and infrastructure development. The success of Odisha's vision will depend on swift administrative clearances, low environmental impact, and minimal displacement.