Union Electronics and Information Technology Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has announced significant plans to develop Odisha into a prominent IT hub within the next two to three years. The announcement was made during a media interaction in Bhubaneswar on Thursday, where Vaishnaw revealed that discussions were held with Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi following directives from Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Vaishnaw outlined a vision for Odisha, stating, "We will transform Odisha into a mega IT hub in the two to three years. The youth will be prepared by imparting training in Information Technology, Electronics, Semiconductor, AI, latest machine learning, IoT and Industry 4.0 and develop Odisha as a major IT hub." This initiative aims to equip the youth with the necessary skills to thrive in the rapidly evolving technological landscape.
One of the early steps in this ambitious programme is the ‘Chip to Startup’ initiative, which will be launched at four prominent technical institutions in the state: IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela, IIIT Bhubaneswar, and Parala Maharaja Engineering College in Berhampur. The programme is designed to foster the growth of IT startups in Odisha, further enhancing the state's potential as a tech centre.
In addition, there are plans to establish a world-class IT training institute in Odisha, with Chief Minister Majhi pledging to provide appropriate land and all necessary support for its establishment. Vaishnaw indicated that discussions also included the potential development of a semiconductor industry within Odisha, which is seen as a crucial aspect of the state's technological evolution.
Vaishnaw also reiterated commitments related to infrastructural development, mentioning a pledge made during the 2024 general elections by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government to ensure an investment of ₹1 lakh crore in the enhancement of the Railway sector in Odisha. He stated that projects exceeding ₹73,000 crore are already underway in the state. The Minister elaborated that, over the course of a decade, 1,827 kilometres of railway lines have been constructed in Odisha, which surpasses the railway network of Sri Lanka. Additionally, 427 rail under-bridges have been built during this period.
The operationalisation of six Vande Bharat trains in the state and the planned upgrade of 59 railway stations under the Amrit Bharat Station Scheme further underline the government's focus on improving transportation infrastructure.
This comprehensive approach to developing Odisha's IT and transportation sectors marks a significant trajectory for the state, poised to transform its economic landscape through strategic initiatives in education, infrastructure, and technology.
Source: Noah Wire Services