The proposed textile park in Bolangir remains at the announcement stage more than six months after Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi declared the project at the Odisha Textile Conclave 2025.
The announcement had generated expectations of an employment-oriented textile and apparel cluster in Bolangir, a district often described as migration-prone and industrially underdeveloped. However, with no visible progress reported, questions are now being raised regarding the status and timeline of the proposed project.
Bolangir and neighbouring districts account for the overwhelming majority of Odisha’s cotton production. More than 90% of the state’s total cotton output originates from Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada and Nuapada. When Boudh, Bargarh and Subarnapur are included, the figure exceeds 97%.
Cotton cultivation spans 70,998 hectares in Bolangir, 71,407 hectares in Kalahandi, 49,473 hectares in Rayagada, 19,550 hectares in Nuapada, 7,285 hectares in Boudh, 5,825 hectares in Bargarh and 5,553 hectares in Subarnapur. The cotton produced in these districts is regarded as high quality and enjoys demand in both domestic and international markets.
Nearly 90% of Odisha’s ginning mills are located across Bolangir, Kalahandi, Rayagada, Bargarh, Nuapada and Subarnapur, strengthening the case for establishing a textile and apparel cluster in the region. The area is also reported to have adequate land availability, power supply, transport connectivity and a substantial workforce.
Despite these advantages, no textile park, weaving cluster, techno park or apparel park has been established in the region to date.
At the conclave, the state government announced the signing of 33 memorandums of understanding worth Rs 7,800 crore (US $ 860 million), stating that the objective was to generate employment through textile parks and apparel manufacturing units. During the event, the Chief Minister inaugurated two textile and footwear parks in Jagatsinghpur and Bhadrak districts. Textile and apparel units have also been set up in Khordha and Cuttack.
During a visit to Sonepur on 1st February, Majhi reiterated that a textile park would be established in Bolangir. However, no specific timeline or implementation roadmap has been disclosed.
