SUMMARY
Vedanta is set to invest ₹1.28 lakh crore in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district to build a 3 MTPA aluminium smelter and a 4,900 MW captive power plant. This mega project will create over 30,000 direct jobs and is part of Odisha’s strategy to become a global industrial powerhouse.
In a landmark move aimed at bolstering India’s aluminium production and industrial capacity, Vedanta Group has announced a massive investment of ₹1.28 lakh crore to set up a state-of-the-art aluminium smelter and a 4,900 MW captive power plant in Odisha’s Dhenkanal district. This mega project, approved by the High-Level Clearance Authority (HLCA) chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, is one of the largest single-location industrial investments in India.
A Game-Changing Industrial Project
The aluminium smelter, with a production capacity of 3 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), will be among the largest of its kind in Asia. The accompanying 4,900 MW captive power plant is crucial to support the energy-intensive smelting operations, ensuring uninterrupted power supply and operational efficiency.
Vedanta’s investment is expected to create approximately 30,000 direct jobs, with tens of thousands more in indirect employment through ancillary industries, logistics, and infrastructure development. The project will also significantly boost the state’s GDP and strengthen Odisha’s position as a key hub in India’s metal and mining ecosystem.
Strengthening Odisha’s Industrial Ecosystem
The Dhenkanal project is part of a larger ₹1.51 lakh crore investment package recently cleared by the Odisha government, spanning eight mega projects across multiple sectors including metals, chemicals, textiles, and food processing. These initiatives aim to generate over 60,000 employment opportunities across six districts, pushing Odisha closer to its target of becoming a $1 trillion economy.
Odisha already plays a leading role in India’s mineral and metal production. With this latest project, the state reinforces its strategic importance in India’s journey towards industrial self-reliance, energy security, and manufacturing excellence.
A Vision for Sustainable Growth
Apart from economic gains, Vedanta’s project is also expected to bring substantial improvements in local infrastructure, including roads, housing, healthcare, and education facilities. With sustainability becoming a core business imperative, there is anticipation that Vedanta will integrate green practices, such as waste heat recovery and emission control, into the project’s design.
Conclusion
Vedanta’s ₹1.28 lakh crore investment in Dhenkanal is not just a major milestone for the company but a transformative opportunity for Odisha and India’s industrial future. As the country pushes towards Make in India and energy independence, such mega projects will play a pivotal role in shaping economic growth, job creation, and global competitiveness.