Odisha, ADB Review Development Portfolio, Discuss New Investment Roadmap

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) on Friday reviewed the implementation of key development projects and discussed a roadmap for expanding cooperation in infrastructure, skill development, climate resilience and inclusive economic growth.

The high-level review meeting, chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Lok Seva Bhavan, focused on accelerating ongoing projects while identifying new areas of collaboration to support the state’s development vision under Viksit Odisha-2036 and Viksit Bharat-2047.

During the meeting, ADB presented the status of its ongoing interventions in Odisha across sectors such as skill development, urban transport, agriculture, energy and climate resilience. It also outlined its proposed loan strategy for the 2028-2032 period under the India Resident Mission, which includes support for MSMEs, industrial development, women’s entrepreneurship, livelihood promotion, human resource development, carbon emission reduction, social security and knowledge partnerships.

A major focus of the discussions was the proposed second phase of the Odisha Skill Development Project. The project envisages expansion of the World Skill Centre in Bhubaneswar, establishment of new campuses in Bhubaneswar, Brahmapur and Sambalpur, upgradation of selected Industrial Training Institutes (ITIs) and promotion of advanced technology-based training to create an industry-ready workforce.

The meeting also reviewed ADB-supported initiatives in urban mobility, tourism, cluster-based horticulture and agribusiness, the energy sector, climate-resilient infrastructure and sustainable urban development.

Chief Secretary Anu Garg emphasised the need for timely preparation of priority projects, closer coordination among departments and continuous engagement with ADB to ensure faster implementation. ADB officials reiterated the institution’s commitment to supporting Odisha through financial assistance, technical expertise and global best practices.

Both sides agreed to further strengthen their partnership to advance sustainable, resilient and inclusive development across the state.

The meeting was attended by ADB Country Director Mio Oka and senior ADB officials, along with senior officers from the Housing and Urban Development, Electronics and IT, Energy, Skill Development and Technical Education, Sports, Tourism and Disaster Management departments.