GO-EAST Initiative Positions Odisha as Eastern India’s Manufacturing Hub

Odisha Unveils GO-EAST Policy

GO-EAST Initiative Positions Odisha as Eastern India’s Manufacturing Hub: The Government of Odisha has launched the GO-EAST (Government of Odisha Eastern Investment Accelerator and Special Task Force) policy to accelerate industrial development and attract fresh investments. The initiative was announced by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) Eastern Region Council meeting in Bhubaneswar.

Alongside the new policy, the state has introduced key amendments to the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022 to encourage manufacturing, simplify project approvals, and promote balanced regional development.

Static GK fact: Bhubaneswar is the capital of Odisha, while Cuttack is known as its judicial capital.

Objectives of GO-EAST

The GO-EAST initiative is designed as a dedicated investment facilitation platform for attracting industries from eastern and northeastern India. It aims to provide faster government support, transparent approvals, and continuous monitoring of industrial projects.

The policy seeks to transform Odisha into the leading manufacturing and investment destination in Eastern India by encouraging industrial diversification beyond the mining sector.

Key Features of the Policy

The GO-EAST framework introduces a single-window investment facilitation system, enabling quicker project approvals and seamless coordination between investors and government departments. It also includes real-time investment tracking, a dedicated GO-EAST Cell, and a specialized Go SWIFT digital monitoring platform.

These mechanisms will improve transparency, monitor project implementation, ensure timely incentive disbursement, and provide continuous investor support throughout the project lifecycle.

Static GK Tip: Odisha was formerly known as Orissa, and its official name was changed to Odisha in 2011.

Revisions to Industrial Policy Resolution 2022

The state government has revised the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) 2022 to promote industries beyond mining and mineral-based activities. Special emphasis has been placed on developing 15 backward districts, including Balangir, Kalahandi, Nuapada, Kandhamal, Boudh, and Gajapati.

Industries establishing non-mineral-based manufacturing units in these districts will receive additional incentives, encouraging balanced industrial growth and employment generation across the state.

GO-EAST Cell and Go SWIFT Platform

To ensure efficient execution of investment proposals, Odisha will establish a dedicated GO-EAST Cell supported by the Go SWIFT digital platform. The system will monitor project approvals, track implementation progress, oversee incentive disbursement, and facilitate faster government intervention whenever required.

This digital governance model is expected to improve investor confidence and reduce procedural delays.

Major Investment Commitments

During the policy announcement, the Odisha Government signed Memorandums of Understanding (MoUs) with seven companies, attracting proposed investments worth approximately ₹24,823 crore.

Major commitments include Shyam Metallicks investing ₹20,000 crore in chemicals, Singhal Steel and Power investing ₹1,301 crore, K Urja investing ₹2,472 crore in power, and CESC Green Energy investing ₹684 crore in green energy equipment. Additional investments were announced in apparel, steel downstream, and metal manufacturing.

Static GK fact: The Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) is one of India’s leading industry associations, established in 1895, working to promote industrial growth and policy advocacy.

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GO-EAST Initiative Positions Odisha as Eastern India’s Manufacturing Hub: