Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is stepping up efforts to make the upcoming Kalibeti and Mudamba Industrial Estates in Khordha district operational and investor-ready, with a focus on infrastructure, sustainability and workforce mobility.
Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, and IDCO Chairperson Usha Padhee conducted a field inspection of both industrial estates and reviewed master planning, industrial plot allocation, land development and ongoing infrastructure works.
Padhee directed officials to ensure time-bound execution and regular field monitoring, while identifying and resolving bottlenecks related to land, utilities and supporting infrastructure.
She said industrial infrastructure should be developed as a complete ecosystem so that prospective industries can begin operations without unnecessary delays. Coordination among different IDCO divisions and stakeholder agencies was also emphasised for faster resolution of field-level issues.
Environmental sustainability was another key focus of the inspection. Padhee directed officials to incorporate rainwater harvesting and water recycling systems into the core infrastructure plans of the industrial estates, stressing the need for efficient water management and conservation.
The inspection also highlighted the commuting needs of workers, particularly women employed in apparel, textile and manufacturing units.
Padhee directed authorities to take steps to extend Ama Bus connectivity to the Kalibeti and Mudamba Industrial Estates, noting that safe and reliable public transport would help workers commute more easily and improve access to employment for people from surrounding areas.
“Industrial growth must be inclusive. When we plan an industrial estate, we must plan not only for investors and industries but also for the people who will work there,” Padhee said.
She also called for mobility and environmental considerations to be integrated into industrial planning from the outset.
Padhee was accompanied by IDCO Chief General Manager (Land) Saroj Sahu, the concerned Land Officer and senior officials from the respective divisions.
The inspection underlines IDCO’s focus on developing well-planned, sustainable and investor-ready industrial estates while addressing infrastructure requirements, workforce welfare and employment opportunities in the region.
