Odisha Inaugurates India’s First FRP Aluminium Unit

Odisha took a major step in its industrial journey with the inauguration of India’s first flat rolled products (FRP) aluminium unit in western Odisha, signalling the state’s growing role in advanced manufacturing and downstream industries. The projects are expected to strengthen aluminium value chains, attract global attention, and generate large-scale employment.

Major Industrial Milestone in Sambalpur

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated the FRP aluminium unit at the Aditya Aluminium plant of Hindalco Industries Limited at Lapanga in Sambalpur district. The project, built at a cost of ₹5,000 crore, marks the first such facility in the country. Alongside this, the chief minister inaugurated a ₹834 crore specialised battery foil unit and laid the foundation stone for a major smelter expansion.

Large Investments and Employment Potential

The smelter expansion alone involves an investment of ₹21,162 crore, taking the total value of ongoing and planned projects to over ₹27,000 crore. According to official statements, these initiatives are expected to generate more than 5,000 direct and indirect jobs. Hindalco’s management highlighted that the company’s long-term investment plan in Odisha could reach nearly ₹50,000 crore, with employment potential for around 15,000 youths, including significant participation of women across multiple districts.

Western Odisha as an Emerging Manufacturing Hub

Addressing the gathering, the chief minister described western Odisha as a region transforming from forests and farmlands into a global manufacturing hub. He said industrial development should be judged by tangible improvements in people’s lives, such as jobs, income security, education, and healthcare. The state government noted that Odisha has already received fresh industrial proposals worth nearly ₹20 lakh crore, which could create up to 15 lakh jobs once implemented.

Important Facts for Exams

• Flat Rolled Products (FRP) aluminium is used in automobiles, packaging, construction, and renewables.
• Battery foil is a critical input for lithium-ion batteries used in electric vehicles.
• Odisha is among India’s leading aluminium-producing states due to rich bauxite reserves.
• Downstream aluminium industries generate higher employment than primary smelting.

Enterprise Odisha and Regional Outreach

Later in the day, the chief minister inaugurated the 25th CII Enterprise Odisha Exhibition in Rourkela. The exhibition showcased industrial innovations, sectoral capabilities, and investment opportunities, reinforcing the state’s focus on balanced, people-centric industrial growth.