Odisha Clears Rs 210 Cr Hostel Project For Women Textile Workers In Khurda
The Odisha Cabinet has approved a major infrastructure project to develop a dedicated hostel facility for women workers in the Kalibeti Industrial Zone of Khurda district, marking a significant step toward strengthening workforce support in the state’s growing textile and apparel sector.
The proposed project, with an investment of Rs 210.36 crore (about US$ 22.01 million) under the Special Assistance to States for Capital Investment scheme, aims to provide safe, affordable and well-equipped housing for women employed in nearby industrial units.
The hostel facility will be developed by the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO) and is expected to be completed within 24 months. It will accommodate around 4,000 women workers, offering them secure living conditions close to their workplaces.
Officials said the initiative is designed to support the rapid expansion of the Kalibeti textile hub, which is projected to generate over 20,000 jobs in the coming years. Women are expected to account for nearly 60–70% of the workforce in the cluster, making the housing facility a critical enabler for sustained industrial growth.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg highlighted that the development of worker-centric infrastructure is essential to ensure inclusive and long-term industrial development. She noted that improving living conditions for women employees would not only enhance workforce participation but also make Odisha a more attractive destination for textile and apparel investments.
The Kalibeti Industrial Estate has already begun attracting global and domestic players, including companies such as MAS Holdings, EPIC and Indian Stitches, positioning it as an emerging textile manufacturing hub in eastern India.
By integrating housing infrastructure with industrial expansion, the state government aims to strengthen ease of doing business while ensuring safety, affordability and dignity for its workforce particularly women, who form the backbone of the sector.
