The Odisha government is making waves by earmarking a massive 5,500 acres of land in and around its capital city, Bhubaneswar, to fast-track the development of IT parks, electronic manufacturing facilities, and semiconductor hubs. This move puts Odisha on the radar as a burgeoning tech hotspot, offering vast opportunities for startups, medium enterprises, and multinational giants eyeing the booming IT and Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM) sectors.
Odisha’s tech ambitions stem from a strategic vision to become a key player in the global IT and ESDM landscape. With an eye on attracting large-scale investments and creating thousands of jobs, the state is removing barriers — like land scarcity — to lay solid infrastructure foundations. The designated land parcels are scattered across prime areas like Mundali, Kuaput Hills, Haldipada, and others, where plug-and-play infrastructure is planned to fast-track business setup.
Odisha Designates 5,500 Acres for IT and ESDM Development
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Land Allocated | 5,500 acres around Bhubaneswar for IT & ESDM development |
| Major Locations | Mundali (980 acres), Kuaput Hills & Haldipada (1,694 acres), Aranga (1,504 acres), and more |
| Target Industries | IT, IT-enabled Services (ITeS), ESDM, semiconductors, startups, and service companies |
| Infrastructure Plans | IT parks, multi-storey towers, data centers, plug-and-play facilities |
| Employment Impact | 30+ IT projects in pipeline, expected to create over 34,000 jobs |
| Policy Support | Land allotment at special prices, tax incentives, 100% stamp duty exemption, reimbursement schemes |
| Education & Talent | 178,000+ technical graduates annually from premier institutes like IIT Bhubaneswar, NIT Rourkela |
| Government Vision | Transform Odisha into a major IT outsourcing hub and electronics manufacturing center |
| Official Reference | Odisha IT Policy 2025 PDF |
Odisha’s strategic move to designate 5,500 acres for IT and ESDM development marks a pivotal step towards establishing the state as a tech powerhouse in India. By combining abundant land, robust infrastructure plans, investor-friendly policies, and a strong talent base, Odisha is unlocking untapped potential for businesses and professionals alike. If the state’s motto rings true — “Sunrise State, Rising Tech Star” — then this land rush could well be the dawn of a new tech era in Eastern India.
Odisha’s Bold Step in Tech Land Development
In the heart of eastern India lies Odisha, a state famed for its rich culture and natural beauty, now rapidly establishing itself as a serious contender in the technology arena. The state has grappled with land allotment challenges for its IT and semiconductor ambitions, but this latest land allocation clears the runway for a major takeoff. The government has zeroed in on nearly 5,500 acres in strategic pockets around Bhubaneswar, including Haldipada, Mundali, Aranga, and even spots inside the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation limits for ready-to-use office spaces.
Why does this matter? Well, having access to prime land with necessary infrastructure is the first hurdle tech companies must clear when setting up operations. Odisha is now ensuring that this hurdle is a thing of the past, with plans for plug-and-play infrastructures like IT towers and parks ready to house startups and tech giants alike. This also boosts investor confidence, signaling Odisha’s strong intent to carve out a niche in India’s competitive tech landscape.
Building the Infrastructure Backbone
The land isn’t just being set aside; it’s being prepped for top-notch infrastructure to support fast growth. Imagine fully equipped IT parks, multi-story towers with high-speed internet, power backups, water supply, and waste management—all designed to help companies start operations without delay. Special attention is on fast completion of key IT towers like Infovalley and Infocity, Odisha’s flagship tech zones. Even the Bhubaneswar railway station is getting involved, with dedicated IT spaces being reserved in its new complex—talk about blending transport and tech!
Additionally, the government has plans to recover unused land from previous allotments that didn’t see growth and repurpose it effectively. This approach maximizes resources and keeps the state agile in meeting industry demands.
Policy and Incentives Driving Growth
Odisha’s IT and ESDM development surge is backed by strong policy support. The state offers 100% exemption on stamp duty for land or built-up space leased/sold by government agencies, reimbursement on conversion and registration fees, and special pricing on land allotments. IT units must meet minimum criteria to qualify for benefits, like having a core employee base and operational history.
The government’s IT Policy 2025 aims to make Odisha a preferred IT outsourcing destination with a focus on emerging technologies like artificial intelligence, blockchain, cybersecurity, and cloud computing. It also emphasizes expanding IT infrastructure to Tier-II and III cities, promoting digital literacy, and encouraging women, SC/ST, and differently-abled persons in the tech workforce.
With over 60,000 software professionals currently in the state, and nearly 178,000 technical graduates each year from prestigious institutions like IIT Bhubaneswar and NIT Rourkela, Odisha has a strong talent pipeline fueling this growth.
Practical Outlook: What Does This Mean for Businesses and Tech Workers?
If you’re a tech entrepreneur or a professional scoutin’ for opportunities, Odisha’s land allotment is excellent news. The ready-to-move office spaces and dedicated IT parks mean faster project kickoff, less hassle in setting up infrastructure, and more access to policy support that improves your bottom line.
For workers, the state’s tech push translates to thousands of new jobs in IT, semiconductors, and electronics design. Collective investment proposals worth over ₹20,900 crores (about $2.5 billion USD) showcase the massive scale of developments planned, promising a vibrant ecosystem of startups, established firms, and innovation hubs.
A Detailed Guide to Odisha’s IT & ESDM Land Development
Step 1: Land Identification and Acquisition
Key parcels at Mundali, Haldipada, Kuaput Hills, Aranga, Aragul, and XIM University square have been earmarked. The government is moving swiftly to acquire these lands for development, especially focusing on areas with potential for high-tech growth.
Step 2: Infrastructure Development
Plug-and-play infrastructures like IT towers, data centers, and parks will be built. Existing hubs like Infocity and Infovalley will get upgrades, with new towers prioritized for speedy completion.
Step 3: Allotment and Policy Facilitation
Land will be allotted at special rates with exemptions on stamp duties and registration fees. Eligibility criteria ensure committed IT/ITeS/ESDM players benefit. Support includes reimbursement schemes, tax breaks, and incentives tailored for startups and enterprises alike.
Step 4: Talent Engagement and Skill Development
The government collaborates with premier institutes to ensure a steady talent flow, focusing on emerging tech skills. Training programs and incubation centers support startups and innovation.
Step 5: Expansion Beyond Bhubaneswar
Plans include promoting Tier-II and III cities as IT destinations, spreading the economic benefits and tapping untapped talent pools.
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FAQs
Q1: What industries will benefit from the 5,500 acres allocated in Odisha?
The land is designated primarily for IT, IT-enabled Services (ITeS), Electronics System Design and Manufacturing (ESDM), semiconductor manufacturing, startups, and tech service companies.
Q2: How does Odisha support companies setting up operations here?
Odisha provides tax incentives, 100% stamp duty exemptions on IT unit allotments, reimbursement of conversion and registration fees, and allotment of land at subsidized or market-based rates depending on the project.
Q3: What infrastructure projects are planned?
Planned infrastructure includes IT parks, multi-story towers, IT clusters, data centers, and incubation/co-working spaces, all with modern facilities to support fast deployment.
Q4: How skilled is the local talent pool in Odisha?
Odisha has a strong pipeline of technical graduates exceeding 178,000 annually from institutes such as IIT Bhubaneswar and NIT Rourkela, with over 60,000 IT professionals already working in the state.
Q5: What opportunities exist for startups in Odisha?
The government supports startups with incubators, coworking spaces, innovation labs, subsidies on rental space, and grants to boost innovation and entrepreneurship.
