JSW Group, led by Sajjan Jindal, has confirmed it will not be moving its ₹40,000 crore electric vehicle (EV) manufacturing project from Odisha to Maharashtra, dispelling earlier reports. Speculation had emerged that the group was considering shifting its EV and battery manufacturing facilities from Odisha to locations in Aurangabad and Nagpur, Maharashtra.
However, the company reaffirmed its commitment to the project in a press statement on Tuesday. In February, JSW signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Odisha government to establish EV and battery manufacturing plants in Cuttack and Paradip.
The group plans to set up an EV manufacturing plant and related components at Naraj in Cuttack district, while a copper smelter and lithium refinery are proposed for Paradip in Jagatsinghpur district. When asked about the rumors of the shift, JSW’s executive vice president of corporate strategy, Ranjan Nayak, clarified, “We are not withdrawing from Odisha,” as reported by PTI.
The ₹40,000 crore project includes a 50 GWh EV battery plant, a lithium refinery, a copper smelter, and other manufacturing units. The Odisha government had approved a special incentive package for this significant project, leading to the signing of the MoU.
Odisha Government Responds
Odisha Industries Minister Sampad Swain addressed the reports, stating that the government is in talks with JSW Group to implement the EV project in the state. While acknowledging some delays, Swain emphasized that the new BJP government is actively pursuing rapid industrialization, having already attracted ₹45,000 crore in investments across sectors like chemicals, semiconductors, and steel pipes within its first 100 days in office.
Swain noted that although there has been a delay in allocating land for the project, the state government remains committed to facilitating its development. He assured that no formal communication had been received regarding the potential relocation of the project.
