Odisha joins global semiconductor economy: Pradhan
Bhubaneswar, Aug 12 (UNI) Odisha has joined the world of the new-age economy and will make its mark in the global semiconductor industry, particularly in the ancillary sector, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said today.
The Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, has approved the establishment of two semiconductor manufacturing units in Odisha.
A compound semiconductor fabrication (fab) and ATMP unit will be set up in Bhubaneswar, while a 3D glass manufacturing unit will come up at Khordha’s Info Valley.
Pradhan expressed gratitude to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, Union Minister for Railways, Electronics and IT Ashwini Vaishnaw, and Odisha Electronics and IT Minister Mukesh Mahaling for what he described as a “special gift” of Rs 2,250 crore for the projects.
He said the Prime Minister has added a new chapter to the Purvoday Mission for the development of eastern India, including Odisha.
Under the India Semiconductor Mission, the Bhubaneswar facility will produce silicon carbide semiconductors, which will be used in missiles, satellites, space technology, telecom towers,
and railway engines.
A dedicated R&D lab for the project will be set up at IIT Bhubaneswar, with the institute’s research park providing academic and technical support.
The 3D glass unit in Khordha will manufacture a range of glass panels for applications in defence, radar, aerospace, and wireless technologies.
According to Pradhan, the central government will provide 50 per cent of the funding, the Odisha government 25percent, and the investor 25percent.
The Centre will contribute Rs 700 crore for the Bhubaneswar fab and Rs 800 crore for the Khordha unit. The state government will also assist with land, water, electricity, and other infrastructure needs.
Pradhan said the projects will create a significant semiconductor cluster in Odisha, boosting the automobile and defence sectors.
Commercial production is expected to begin within two years, which will enhance domestic electronics manufacturing, reduce import dependency, and strengthen Odisha’s semiconductor ecosystem.
The two units are projected to generate about 1,500 direct jobs and several thousand indirect jobs in the state.
