Bhubaneswar: In a significant step towards strengthening industrial infrastructure and supporting Odisha’s growing textile and apparel sector, the State Cabinet on Monday approved the turnkey tender process for the development of a Women Workers’ Hostel at the Kalibeti Industrial Area in Khordha district.
The project, to be executed by the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation of Odisha (IDCO), has been approved at an estimated cost of ₹210.36 crore. It will be funded under the Scheme for Assistance to States for Capital Investment (SASCI) and is scheduled for completion within 24 months.
The proposed hostel will accommodate around 4,000 women workers and is envisaged as a comprehensive residential facility integrated with social and community infrastructure. The initiative aims to provide safe and secure accommodation close to workplaces, thereby reducing travel time and improving overall productivity and quality of life for women employed in the industrial area.
Kalibeti Industrial Estate has emerged as a key textile and apparel manufacturing hub in Odisha, attracting investments from leading companies such as MAS Holdings, EPIC and Indian Stitches. These units are expected to generate more than 20,000 employment opportunities in the coming years.
According to the state government, women account for nearly 65 to 70 per cent of the global textile workforce, making the provision of safe and affordable accommodation a critical requirement for the sector’s sustainable growth. The hostel project is expected to enhance worker safety, reduce commuting challenges, lower employee turnover, and support the operational efficiency of industrial units in the region.
The Cabinet’s approval is aligned with Odisha’s broader vision of establishing itself as a leading destination for textile and apparel manufacturing while ensuring inclusive and worker-friendly industrial development.
