Will JSW relocate Rs 40,000 crore EV project from Odisha to Maharashtra? Minister responds

The JSW group, which had inked an agreement with Odisha government to set up Rs 40,000-crore electric vehicle (EV) and battery project in the State, is now planning to shift it to Maharashtra.

According to national media reports, JSW is now considering Aurangabad and Nagpur in Maharashtra as the top choices for the EV and battery projects. 

Sajjan Jindal-led group JSW group had inked an agreement with the then BJD government on 10th February this year to establish of an Integrated Electric Vehicle (EV) and EV Battery manufacturing project.

As per the agreement, JSW group had planned to set up an EV vehicle, and component manufacturing plant at Naraj in Cuttack. Similarly, it had planned to establish a copper smelter and lithium refinery plant at Paradip in Jagatsinghpur.

The project consists of a 50 GWH EV battery plant, EV, lithium refinery, copper smelter and related component manufacturing units.

The MoU was signed two weeks after the state cabinet approved a special incentive package for the group's ambitious EV and component manufacturing projects at Naraj in Cuttack and Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district.

On the other hand, Industries Minister Sampad Chandra Swain said the JSW’s plan to relocate the project from Odisha is yet to be finalised.

“We are in talks with the JSW. Everything will be clear once the discussion reaches a conclusion. They have not finalised to shift the project from Odisha and we are also not informed about it. There is inordinate delay in starting projects on several occasions and it is the same with the JSW,” Swain said.

Later in the day, JSW Steel Limited in a press statement clarified that the JSW is not withdrawing the proposed Electric Vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing project from Odisha. 

“JSW Group is not withdrawing its proposed 40,000 cr Electric Vehicle (EV) and battery manufacturing project from Odisha,” read the statement.