Odisha to Showcase Chemical and Petrochemical Investment Potential at India Chem 2026 in Mumbai

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is set to showcase its growing investment potential in the chemical and petrochemical sectors at India Chem 2026 in Mumbai, as the state government looks to attract fresh investments, expand manufacturing capabilities and strengthen its position as an emerging industrial destination.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi is scheduled to participate in the inaugural session and a high-level CEO Roundtable during his two-day visit to Mumbai. The roundtable will be chaired by Union Minister for Chemicals and Fertilizers J. P. Nadda.

The 14th edition of India Chem 2026 will be held from October 22 to 24 at the Bombay Exhibition Centre in Mumbai. Organised by the Department of Chemicals and Petrochemicals in partnership with the Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Industry (FICCI), the event will bring together policymakers, investors, manufacturers and industry leaders to explore opportunities across the chemicals and petrochemicals value chain.

Odisha to Engage With More Than 20 Major Companies

A key objective of Odisha’s participation is to establish new partnerships with domestic and international companies and attract investment into emerging industrial sectors.

During his visit, Majhi is scheduled to hold one-to-one meetings with representatives of more than 20 major companies from the chemical and petrochemical industries.

The discussions are expected to focus on fresh investments, expansion of existing industrial operations, downstream manufacturing and opportunities to establish new industrial ventures in the state.

Odisha will highlight its industrial infrastructure, resource availability, investment-ready facilities and policy framework to demonstrate its suitability for large-scale manufacturing projects.

The state is seeking to build on its established strengths in mining and metallurgy while expanding into higher-value manufacturing activities that can support economic diversification and employment generation.

₹1.93 Lakh Crore in Proposed Investments

According to figures shared by the Odisha government, the state has attracted 56 companies in the chemical and petrochemical sectors over the past two years, representing proposed investments of ₹1,93,087.94 crore.

These proposed investments have an estimated employment potential of 1,12,324 people.

The government has also reported progress in project implementation. A total of 27 projects in the sector have been grounded or inaugurated, representing investments of ₹60,825.34 crore and an employment potential of 35,351 people.

The figures underline the scale of Odisha’s ambitions in the sector, although proposed investments and employment estimates do not necessarily translate into completed projects or jobs already created.

The government aims to accelerate project implementation and encourage companies to establish manufacturing facilities that can strengthen the state’s industrial ecosystem.

Coal Gasification and Proposed Chemical Industrial Park in Focus

Coal gasification is expected to be a major feature of Odisha’s presentation at India Chem 2026. The technology converts coal into a gas that can be used as a feedstock for industrial applications and the production of certain chemicals.

Given Odisha’s resource base and existing industrial infrastructure, the state is looking to explore opportunities for developing related industries and expanding domestic value addition.

The government may also announce plans for a dedicated, large-scale chemical industrial park. The proposed facility is intended to strengthen the industrial ecosystem and attract companies operating in chemicals, petrochemicals, plastics and packaging.

If implemented, such a park could help bring related manufacturing units and ancillary businesses closer together, potentially improving supply-chain efficiency and supporting the development of downstream industries.

However, the proposal remains subject to further official announcements regarding its location, investment requirements, implementation schedule and development framework.

Jajpur Projects Highlight Industrial Growth

Odisha has also pointed to recent industrial activity in Jajpur district as evidence of the sector’s growth potential.

According to the state government, nine projects involving five inaugurations and four groundbreaking ceremonies represent investments of ₹4,136 crore and are expected to generate employment opportunities for 1,508 people.

These projects are expected to contribute to the expansion of manufacturing capacity and strengthen the state’s industrial base.

The government is seeking to build on such developments by encouraging additional investments, supporting downstream manufacturing and creating opportunities for businesses that supply products and services to larger industrial units.

Odisha Joins Other States in Investment Push

Odisha will participate in India Chem 2026 alongside states including Rajasthan, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Tamil Nadu.

The participation reflects growing competition among Indian states to attract investment in chemicals, petrochemicals and associated manufacturing industries.

States with established industrial clusters are seeking to expand their manufacturing capabilities, while emerging destinations such as Odisha are highlighting their resource advantages, infrastructure and policy support to attract new projects.

For Odisha, the challenge will be to convert investment proposals into operational facilities through timely approvals, infrastructure development, reliable logistics and effective project implementation.

The proposed chemical industrial park and the focus on coal gasification are intended to support this broader industrial strategy.

India Chem 2026 Targets Global Industry Participation

The national event will operate under the theme “Advantage Bharat: An Emerging Global Chemicals Hub.” It is intended to promote investment, international collaboration, technology partnerships and opportunities across India’s chemical and petrochemical industries.

The organisers expect participation from more than 100 countries, alongside Indian and international exhibitors, business visitors and senior industry executives. Japan will participate as a partner country.

The exhibition and conference will cover basic and specialty chemicals, petrochemicals, polymers, industrial equipment, sustainable technologies, advanced materials and digital solutions for chemical manufacturing.

The event will also provide opportunities to explore joint ventures, technology transfers, contract manufacturing and investment in industrial parks and petroleum, chemicals and petrochemicals investment regions.

Focus on Investment and Employment Generation

Odisha’s participation at India Chem 2026 forms part of its wider effort to diversify the state’s industrial base, attract fresh capital and strengthen manufacturing value chains.

By engaging directly with major companies, the state government hopes to identify new projects, expand downstream industries and create additional employment opportunities.

The proposed chemical industrial park, coal gasification opportunities and existing investment pipeline will be central to its pitch to investors.

The long-term success of the initiative will depend on how effectively the state translates proposed investments into projects on the ground. If the planned industrial expansion progresses, Odisha could strengthen its role in India’s chemicals and petrochemicals industry while creating new opportunities for manufacturers, suppliers and skilled workers.