Odisha’s Jharsuguda can become ‘India’s No.1 district’ amid Rs 1 trillion investment boost

Jharsuguda is emerging as a model of development in India. After a high-level review of infrastructure and social development projects on Monday, India’s G20 Sherpa and former CEO of NITI Aayog, Amitabh Kant, praised the district’s progress and its potential to become the top-performing district in the country.

According to reports from The Times of India, Kant's visit focused on evaluating critical infrastructure and social sector progress in Jharsuguda.

The review included an on-ground assessment of education reforms, airport expansion, railway station redevelopment, mining activities, and industrial growth.

Jharsuguda’s strategic location and industrial base were central to the review. The district is home to major coal reserves and power generation hubs, positioning it as a backbone of India's energy economy.

“With collaborative efforts, Jharsuguda has the potential to emerge as the No. 1 district in the country," said Kant.

Education, Health, and Human Development

The review also included educational infrastructure projects, and action plans to complete pending initiatives were discussed. A strategy was also framed to uplift health indicators and address malnutrition, especially in rural and tribal belts of the district.

To drive long-term development, Kant underscored the importance of elevating Jharsuguda’s Human Development Index (HDI) and Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI). These include better access to healthcare, education, safe drinking water, sanitation, and nutrition.

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Infrastructure Projects in Focus

Major infrastructure projects are on the fast track. Redevelopment of the Jharsuguda Railway Station, expansion of the airport, and national highway upgrades are being expedited. Kant has assured that these proposals will be followed up at the central level in Delhi to ensure timely execution and funding support.

Vedanta's Massive Investment Boost

A while before Kant's visit, Vedanta Ltd recently announced a transformative investment of Rs 1 trillion in Odisha, with major components in Jharsuguda and Rayagada.

The company is slated to set up a state-of-the-art aluminium park spanning 253 acres near its existing 1.8-MTPA aluminium smelter in Jharsuguda, attracting over 100 MSMEs and generating 2 lakh jobs across various sectors.