By K.Gopalakrishnan
A State on the Brink of a Textile Transformation
India’s textile industry is witnessing a decisive geographical shift, with emerging regions redefining the future of manufacturing. At the forefront of this transformation is Odisha, a state rapidly evolving into a dynamic hub for apparel, technical textiles, and sustainable materials.
The scale and diversity of recent investments underline a structural shift in the state’s industrial trajectory. From global collaborations such as the Toray–MAS partnership to large-scale sustainability-driven investments by Ganesha Ecosphere and petrochemical-textile integration by Indian Oil Corporation, Odisha is attracting a wide spectrum of players across the value chain.
Significantly, the entry of leading apparel major Page Industries, with a ₹750 crore investment in a large-scale manufacturing facility in Cuttack, marks a defining moment in the state’s textile journey. As its first major plant outside Karnataka, the project signals strong investor confidence in Odisha’s policy framework, workforce potential, and long-term industrial vision, while reinforcing the state’s emergence as a preferred destination for apparel manufacturing.
Further strengthening this narrative is the recent inauguration of the EPIC Group’s Trimetro Manufacturing Campus in Khordha, a landmark US$100 million investment that positions Odisha at the forefront of sustainable industrial development. As India’s first fully net-zero carbon and net-zero water garment manufacturing facility, the Trimetro campus represents a new benchmark in responsible manufacturing. Spread across 40 acres and designed to produce 20 million garments annually, the project not only enhances the state’s manufacturing capabilities but also underscores Odisha’s growing appeal for global players seeking sustainability-driven, future-ready production ecosystems.
This growing momentum was further amplified at Odisha TEX 2025, where the state showcased its ambition to become Eastern India’s textile powerhouse, backed by progressive policies, world-class infrastructure, and a clear focus on employment generation and value-added manufacturing.
As Hon’ble Chief Minister Shri Mohan Charan Majhi aptly stated, “Odisha is moving with purpose from promise to performance, and from potential to prosperity.”
With strong governance, strategic investments, and an integrated approach to industrial development, Odisha is no longer an emerging destination—it is fast becoming a defining force in India’s textile growth story.
Policy Push and Strategic Vision: Building a Future-Ready Ecosystem
At the heart of Odisha’s rise is a proactive policy framework designed to attract investment while ensuring long-term sustainability and employment generation.
The state’s Industrial Policy Resolution 2022 and Odisha Apparel & Technical Textiles Policy 2022 offer some of the most competitive incentive structures in India. These include capital subsidies, employment-linked incentives, and infrastructure support tailored specifically for textile and apparel manufacturers.
One of the most notable initiatives is the enhancement of employment subsidies, with support extended up to ₹6,000 per month for male workers and ₹7,000 per month for female workers—an important step towards inclusive growth.
Further strengthening its industrial ecosystem, Odisha has announced:
- Six integrated Textile & Footwear Parks with plug-and-play infrastructure
- Dedicated worker housing facilities
- Skill development initiatives aligned with modern textile technologies
The creation of a dedicated task force under the Industries Department ensures fast-track approvals and seamless project execution—an aspect often cited by investors as a key differentiator.
As Industries Minister Shri Sampad Chandra Swain highlighted, “Odisha offers a unique competitive advantage from raw material availability to port connectivity and a supportive policy framework, making it the most attractive destination for textile and apparel investments.”
Why Odisha? Strategic Advantages Driving Investment
Odisha’s appeal lies in a combination of structural and operational advantages that align closely with the evolving needs of global textile supply chains.
Firstly, the state offers excellent connectivity, with access to major ports enabling efficient export logistics—an increasingly critical factor in global sourcing strategies.
Secondly, Odisha provides a skilled and cost-competitive workforce, particularly suited for apparel manufacturing. The government’s focus on skill development, especially among women, further strengthens this advantage.
Thirdly, the availability of land within integrated parks, coupled with plug-and-play infrastructure, significantly reduces project lead times.
Additionally, the state’s positioning within the China+1 sourcing strategy has made it an attractive alternative for global brands seeking diversification of manufacturing bases.
Odisha TEX 2025: A Catalyst for Investment Momentum
The Odisha TEX 2025 event marked a defining moment in the state’s textile journey. Bringing together over 650 delegates—including global brands, manufacturers, and technology providers—the event showcased Odisha’s readiness to host large-scale textile investments.
A total of 33 MoUs were signed, unlocking investments worth ₹7,808 crore and generating employment for over 53,000 people.
The Chief Minister aptly described the event as “a declaration that Odisha is ready to lead Eastern India’s textile revolution.”
Major Investments Shaping Odisha’s Textile Landscape
MAS Apparel Park: Building an Integrated Manufacturing Ecosystem
MAS Holdings’ standalone investment of USD 140 million in the MAS Apparel Park further reinforces Odisha’s strategic importance.
Spread across 60 acres, the park is designed as an integrated manufacturing hub, bringing together multiple stakeholders within a single ecosystem. This clustering approach enhances supply chain efficiency, reduces lead times, and improves cost competitiveness.
The project is expected to create over 10,000 jobs, significantly boosting regional employment.
As Suren Fernando stated, “We recognize the immense potential of India’s manufacturing landscape and its ability to support both global supply chains and domestic demand.”
TechnoSport: Strengthening India’s Activewear Manufacturing Base
TechnoSport’s ₹100 crore investment in a new activewear manufacturing facility marks a significant step in expanding India’s performance apparel segment.
The facility, part of a larger industrial ecosystem, will focus on semi-automated production, traceability, and sustainable manufacturing, including renewable energy usage and closed-loop recycling systems.
Sunil Jhunjhunwala, Co-Founder & Managing Director, TechnoSport, emphasized, “This investment is not just a factory—it’s a blueprint for the future of Indian manufacturing.”
The project is expected to generate over 1,000 jobs and contribute to the state’s vision of building a modern apparel ecosystem.
Ganesha Ecosphere: Driving Circular Economy in Textiles
Ganesha Ecosphere’s ₹700–750 crore investment introduces a strong sustainability dimension to Odisha’s textile growth story.
The company is setting up a greenfield facility to produce rPET chips and recycled polyester materials, reinforcing its leadership in circular textile solutions.
With a planned capacity of 67,500 TPA, the project will cater to the growing demand for eco-friendly materials in both domestic and global markets.
This initiative aligns with the global shift toward recycled fibres and sustainable textiles, positioning Odisha as a key player in the circular economy.
Indian Oil Corporation: Integrating Petrochemicals with Textiles
In a landmark diversification move, Indian Oil Corporation (IOC) is investing ₹4,382 crore in a state-of-the-art yarn manufacturing facility in Bhadrak.
The project features a 900 TPD Continuous Polymerization unit, producing DTY, FDY, and polyester chips—critical inputs for the textile industry.
This investment represents a strategic integration of petrochemicals and textiles, strengthening India’s domestic manufacturing capabilities.
The project is expected to reduce import dependence while supporting the government’s ‘Make in India’ initiative and enhancing the country’s global competitiveness.
Toray Industries & MAS Holdings: A Strategic Global Partnership
One of the most significant developments is the joint venture between Toray Industries and MAS Holdings, establishing Toray MAS Apparel India in Odisha.
This collaboration brings together Toray’s advanced material expertise and MAS Holdings’ manufacturing excellence to create a high-value apparel production ecosystem. The facility, located at the MAS Apparel Park in Bhuinpur, is expected to commence operations in 2026.
Teruo Funahashi, Managing Director of Toray Hong Kong, noted, “The company will serve as a garment stronghold in India, reinforcing our partnership and contributing to local economic growth.”
Suren Fernando, Group CEO of MAS Holdings, added, “The Odisha facility will play a key role in supporting our customers’ evolving needs while driving innovation and regional development.”
The project also integrates sustainability through renewable energy, efficient water management, and responsible manufacturing practices—aligning with global ESG expectations.
Odisha’s Textile Future Takes Shape
The convergence of progressive policies, strategic investments, and global partnerships is transforming Odisha into a new epicentre of textile manufacturing in India.
From apparel and activewear to advanced materials and sustainable textiles, the state is building a diversified and future-ready ecosystem. The emphasis on infrastructure, skill development, and sustainability further strengthens its position as a preferred destination for investors.
As Odisha continues to attract global attention, it is not merely participating in India’s textile growth story—it is actively shaping its next chapter.
With a clear vision, strong governance, and a rapidly expanding industrial base, Odisha stands poised to emerge as a leading textile hub—not just for Eastern India, but for the global textile landscape.