Odisha to build 870‑acre semiconductor and IT hub in Cuttack

The Odisha government has unveiled plans for a 870‑acre technology park in the Naraj area of Cuttack, targeting semiconductor manufacturing and information‑technology services. According to The Hindu, the initiative is part of a broader effort to position the state as a hub for high‑value electronics and software projects.

State officials say they have already received investment proposals totaling roughly Rs 23,600 crore (about $2.8 billion). The proposals, if realised, could generate around 6,100 direct employment opportunities across the park, the newspaper reported. The government intends to allocate the land through a mix of public‑private partnerships, offering incentives such as tax breaks and streamlined clearances to attract both domestic and foreign firms.

India has been accelerating its push for semiconductor self‑sufficiency after global supply chain disruptions highlighted the country's reliance on imports. The central government’s Production‑Linked Incentive (PLI) scheme for electronics, launched in 2021, has spurred several states to compete for chip‑making investments. Odisha, traditionally known for its mineral resources, is now leveraging its strategic location and port access to diversify its industrial base. The new park is expected to complement existing initiatives like the Kalinga Institute of Industrial Technology’s electronics park and the state's focus on renewable energy, creating an ecosystem that could sustain advanced manufacturing.

The chosen site in Naraj lies near major transport arteries, including the National Highway 16 and the Cuttack‑Bhubaneswar railway corridor, facilitating easy movement of raw materials and finished goods. Early discussions indicate interest from global semiconductor equipment makers and Indian IT service providers, although detailed agreements are still being negotiated. The project is slated to begin land acquisition and infrastructure development by the end of the fiscal year, with construction of core facilities projected for 2025.

If the park reaches its projected capacity, it could reshape the regional economy by attracting ancillary industries, boosting skill development, and increasing export earnings. However, analysts caution that success will depend on consistent policy support, the ability to secure a reliable power supply, and the cultivation of a skilled workforce capable of handling complex chip‑fabrication processes.

The Odisha administration has signalled that it will monitor progress closely, with periodic reviews to adjust incentives and address bottlenecks. Stakeholders hope the venture will not only meet the state's employment goals but also contribute to India's broader ambition of becoming a major player in the global semiconductor supply chain.