In a significant development for Odisha’s industrial landscape, a UK-based company is set to establish a semiconductor fabrication unit in Ganjam district with a staggering investment of Rs 30,000 crore in the initial phase. The move is expected to create a wave of employment opportunities, with the potential to generate 5,000 direct jobs.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) Sets the Stage
Officials have confirmed that SRAM & MRAM Technologies and Projects India Pvt Limited, the Indian unit of the UK-based SRAM & MRAM Group, signed an MoU with the Odisha state government on March 26 to initiate the establishment of the semiconductor unit. The company is poised to bring its global expertise to India’s semiconductor manufacturing landscape.
Exploring Potential Sites
Following a thorough assessment of potential sites, representatives from the company, led by Chairman Guruji Kumaran Swami, visited locations near Chhatrapur in the Ganjam district. In a subsequent meeting with the district administration, assurances were given regarding the provision of necessary facilities for the successful establishment of the semiconductor unit.
Strategic Location and Infrastructure
The choice of the Chhatrapur site was based on several strategic factors. Its proximity to the Gopalpur port, dedicated industrial corridor, airstrip, and national highway, coupled with the availability of clean water and energy, made it an ideal location for the semiconductor unit. The site’s advantageous features aligned with the basic requirements of a fabrication unit.
Ambitious Timeline and Expansion Plans
The company has set an ambitious target of commencing operations within two years and intends to offer direct employment to 5,000 individuals. Looking ahead, it envisions further expansion of the unit in subsequent phases, with an estimated investment of around Rs 2 lakh crore by 2027. This forward-thinking approach demonstrates the company’s long-term commitment to India’s semiconductor industry.
Addressing Domestic Demand for Semiconductors
The semiconductor unit will primarily focus on the production of memory chips, which are essential components in mobile phones, television sets, laptops, air conditioners, and ATMs. Given that the country currently relies on imports for semiconductors, amounting to approximately Rs 3 lakh crore annually, the establishment of a local manufacturing facility will contribute significantly to India’s self-reliance in this critical sector.
Boosting Industrialization and Employment
The project’s implementation is expected to spur industrialization in Ganjam district and drive economic growth in the region. Members of Parliament, including Berhampur MP Chandra Sekhar Sahu, have emphasized that Odisha’s attractive industrial policies have attracted the interest of numerous companies, facilitating investments in the state. The proposed semiconductor unit is poised to create substantial employment opportunities while addressing the country’s semiconductor requirements.
With the upcoming establishment of the semiconductor fabrication unit, Odisha is poised to become a prominent hub for semiconductor manufacturing, contributing to India’s technological advancement and self-sufficiency in critical industries. The project’s success will propel industrialization, foster innovation, and pave the way for a prosperous future for the state and the nation as a whole.
