JSW Steel has commenced development of its ₹65,000-crore integrated steel plant at Paradeep in Odisha, marking one of the company’s largest greenfield investments as it sharpens focus on capacity expansion amid rising domestic steel demand.

The project, planned with an initial capacity of 13.2 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), will be developed in phases across nearly 2,950 acres on Odisha’s coastline. The company said the plant’s strategic location near port infrastructure and raw material linkages would improve logistics efficiency and strengthen access to both domestic and export markets.

The project commencement ceremony was attended by Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, senior state ministers and JSW Group Chairman and Managing Director Sajjan Jindal.

The investment comes at a time when India’s steel consumption is being driven by infrastructure spending, urbanisation and manufacturing growth. JSW Steel, which currently has a combined crude steel capacity of 37.9 MTPA including its joint venture operations, plans to increase this to 54.8 MTPA over the next four years.

Odisha becomes central to JSW Steel’s expansion

Calling the Paradeep project a “defining moment” in the company’s growth journey, Sajjan Jindal said Odisha had emerged as one of India’s most attractive industrial destinations due to its policy support, infrastructure ecosystem and industrial growth potential.

“The project commencement of the Paradeep Integrated Steel Plant reaffirms our belief in India’s long-term manufacturing potential,” Jindal said. He added that the investment underlines JSW Steel’s commitment to building globally competitive manufacturing assets while contributing to Odisha’s economic development.

The project also aligns with the Centre’s Mission Purvodaya initiative, which aims to accelerate industrialisation in eastern India.

Coastal location to strengthen export competitiveness

JSW Steel Joint Managing Director and CEO Jayant Acharya said the integrated facility would become a key pillar in the company’s long-term growth strategy.

“Its strategic coastal location, integrated infrastructure and access to logistics networks will enhance operational efficiencies and strengthen our ability to serve customers across domestic and global markets,” Acharya said.

Industry observers expect coastal steel plants to gain importance as Indian producers look to optimise freight costs and improve export competitiveness in a volatile global market.

With the Paradeep project, JSW Steel is further consolidating its position among India’s largest steelmakers while deepening its footprint in mineral-rich eastern India, which is emerging as the country’s next major steel manufacturing corridor.