Keonjhar to Become Odisha’s Third Steel City, Announces CM Majhi

Bhubaneswar, Dec 8: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Sunday announced that Keonjhar will soon emerge as the state’s third steel city, following Rourkela and Kalinganagar in Jajpur. A mega steel plant is planned for the district as part of an ambitious development push.

The Chief Minister made the announcement after laying the foundation stone for the integrated development of the Maa Tarini Shrine in Ghatagaon, a project worth ₹313 crore. Speaking at the event, he outlined a series of transformative projects aimed at reshaping Keonjhar’s economic and infrastructural landscape.

Majhi said Keonjhar has been allocated ₹35,000 crore from various sources — including Central and State schemes, the District Mineral Foundation (DMF), and OMBADC — to accelerate growth across sectors. “The process of building a Golden Keonjhar has begun,” he declared.

Major Infrastructure Boost

Keonjhar is set to receive a slew of major projects, including:

• A new bypass road
• Paradip–Bada Bil eight-lane road
• Bada Bil ring road
• A tech park
• Data centre
• Textile park
• A modern stadium
• Other urban and industrial development initiatives

Majhi said the Keonjhar–Bada Bil–Joda belt will be developed as a major economic corridor, leveraging the region’s vast mineral resources. Calling the district the “treasure house of natural resources” and “heart of Odisha,” he emphasised the government’s commitment to unlocking its full economic potential.

Maa Tarini Shrine to Become World-Class Destination

At Ghatagaon, the Chief Minister laid the foundation for the shrine development project, spread across 60 acres and targeted for completion within a year. The plan includes:

• A 216-bed pilgrim accommodation complex
• Pilgrim and interpretation centres
• Food plaza
• Watchtower
• Market complex
• Coconut storage unit
• 500-seat Prasad hall
• Beautification of four Pushkarinis (sacred ponds)
• Multiple civic and visitor amenities

Majhi also announced residential facilities for temple priests (Dehuris) and instructed officials to prepare a detailed project report for additional works.

He assured that the government will take all necessary measures to transform Maa Tarini Shrine into a world-class religious and tourist destination, boosting both faith tourism and local employment.

A New Chapter for Keonjhar

With major industrial, infrastructural, and cultural projects now underway, the Chief Minister said Keonjhar is poised for unprecedented development. The upcoming steel city project, along with multiple economic zones, is expected to significantly enhance the district’s industrial capacity and regional connectivity.