Jharsuguda is fast emerging as a leading model of development in India, drawing national attention for its strategic growth in infrastructure, education, healthcare, and industrial output. The district, often referred to as the “powerhouse of Odisha,” has now caught the eye of India’s G20 Sherpa and former NITI Aayog CEO, Amitabh Kant, who believes Jharsuguda has the potential to become India’s No. 1 district in the near future. Kant recently conducted a high-level review of key development projects during his visit to Jharsuguda, where he assessed the progress of multiple sectors including infrastructure, social development, and industrial expansion. The visit emphasized both on-ground evaluations and strategic planning to transform the district through targeted investments and reforms.

The district is at the centre of an estimated ₹1 trillion investment wave, which is expected to revolutionize its economic landscape. Jharsuguda’s strategic location and its role as a major coal and power generation hub position it as a vital contributor to India’s energy economy. The presence of industries such as coal mining, thermal power plants, and aluminum production enhances its industrial appeal, making it a magnet for further investments. During his visit, Amitabh Kant closely reviewed several major ongoing and upcoming projects. These included the expansion of Jharsuguda Airport, redevelopment of the railway station, and enhancement of road and logistics infrastructure to boost connectivity and regional trade. The goal is to create a robust transportation network that supports both public mobility and industrial freight movement.

A strong focus was placed on educational reform initiatives, including the construction and modernization of schools, skill development centres, and digital learning tools. Strategies were also discussed to improve access to education in rural and tribal belts, ensuring that Jharsuguda’s human capital keeps pace with its industrial growth. In the health sector, action plans were formulated to address malnutrition, especially among children and women in underprivileged communities. The review emphasized the urgent need to uplift key health indicators by improving the availability of maternal care, child health services, and nutritional support programs.

Amitabh Kant stressed the importance of enhancing the district’s Human Development Index (HDI) and Physical Quality of Life Index (PQLI)—two crucial benchmarks for sustainable and inclusive development. These indices focus on improving healthcare access, quality education, sanitation, drinking water, and nutrition, especially in tribal and backward regions. He further added that consistent efforts to improve social infrastructure—along with economic development—will enable Jharsuguda to emerge not only as a financial powerhouse but also as a benchmark for holistic development in the country. The district’s transformation is being driven by a collaborative governance model, involving central and state agencies, district authorities, and private sector stakeholders. With effective leadership and a clear vision, Jharsuguda is being positioned as a template for district-level growth that can be replicated across other regions in India. Amitabh Kant’s remarks come at a time when India is actively focusing on region-specific development strategies to create equitable growth across the country. His praise underscores the district’s rapid rise as a centre for industrial innovation, infrastructure expansion, and human development.