Odisha secures Rs 1 lakh crore Vedanta Dhenkanal smelter plant; university revival also on cards

The Vedanta Group has announced to invest over Rs 1 lakh crore in Odisha, marking one of the largest industrial expansion initiatives in the state’s history.

The investment includes setting up a three-million-tonne-per-annum aluminium smelter in Dhenkanal, a ferro-alloys plant in Keonjhar, and two new aluminium parks aimed at strengthening downstream industries.

Second Smelter Planned In Dhenkanal

Following a meeting with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi at Lok Seva Bhawan, Vedanta Group Chairman Anil Agarwal confirmed that construction of the Dhenkanal smelter will begin within three to four months, provided land and statutory clearances are completed within that period, reported The New Indian Express.

The proposed project, estimated to generate around 40,000 jobs, will be among the world’s largest aluminium smelters once operational.

According to government officials, the plant will enhance Odisha’s position in the global aluminium value chain. The project is expected to be completed within three to three-and-a-half years, with the company’s Jharsuguda facility serving as the operational model for the new venture.

Ferro-Alloys Plant And New Aluminium Parks

Vedanta has also committed to investing Rs 2,000 crore in a modern ferro-alloys unit in Keonjhar district. The plant will cater to growing demand from the steel and metal-processing industries.

Additionally, the company will establish two aluminium parks, one adjacent to its existing Jharsuguda smelter and another at a location to be identified by the state government.

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Vedanta University Revival Under Consideration

During his visit, Agarwal also discussed reviving the long-pending Vedanta University project in Odisha. While several states have expressed interest in hosting the university, Vedanta has conveyed its preference to establish it within Odisha, with the final site, whether Puri or elsewhere, to be determined in consultation with the state government.

The company described Chief Minister Majhi’s approach as progressive and industry-friendly, noting that such partnerships would strengthen Odisha’s position as a hub for global-scale investments in metals, manufacturing, and higher education.