The Odisha government has formally begun land acquisition for a proposed five to six MTPA greenfield steel plant by the JSW-POSCO joint venture in Keonjhar district. 

The state is focusing on early planning and stakeholder engagement to fast-track approvals. Around 2,466 acres across eight villages in Patna tehsil have been earmarked, including 976 acres of government land and 1,490 acres of private land, with 794 acres classified as forest. Authorities aim to minimise displacement by excluding densely populated areas.

The Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has submitted acquisition proposals, and environmental clearance is targeted by December 2025. This 50:50 collaboration between JSW Steel and South Korea’s POSCO follows a non-binding agreement signed in August. The plant supports the Centre’s Atmanirbhar Bharat initiative and aims to bolster Odisha’s position as a major steel producer, while generating thousands of jobs.