What’s Next for Odisha? Plans for a Rare Earth Corridor and Theme Park Unveiled!

A newly formed society in Odisha is advocating for the creation of a rare earth corridor and a themed park to enhance the region's role in the rare earth sector. This initiative, which emerged from discussions at the Rare Earth Conclave, aims to collaborate with key organizations and government bodies. The group plans to establish an Indian Institute of Earth Science and is organizing a stakeholder meeting to boost participation in the upcoming Rare Earth and Energy Summit. With strong support from industry leaders, these efforts could significantly elevate Odisha's position in the rare earth industry.

By Narendra Chaudhary Jun 6, 2026, 10:10 IST

New Initiatives in Odisha's Rare Earth Sector

Bhubaneswar: A newly established group of professionals and entrepreneurs in the rare earth industry has put forth a proposal to create a rare earth corridor and a themed park on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar. They are seeking backing from both the central and state governments.

BP Padhi, who previously served as the Director of the Indian Trade Promotion Centre in Dubai and is now an independent consultant recognized by the Ministry of Commerce, shared that this initiative was born out of discussions during a meeting of the society formed after the Rare Earth Conclave held on May 7 in Bhubaneswar.

The collective, which includes experts from mining, industry, research, and entrepreneurship, explored ways to position Odisha as a central hub for rare earth activities. They committed to collaborating with the Rare Earth Association of India (REAI) to support initiatives led by Indian Rare Earths Limited (IREL) and the state government.

During a virtual address, Deependra Singh, president of REAI and former chairman and managing director of IREL, expressed his full support for the society's future endeavors. The group also discussed the establishment of a formal office in Bhubaneswar, proposing that an existing IREL facility could be utilized for meetings and coordination efforts.

With concerns about Odisha's limited involvement in the upcoming Rare Earth and Energy Summit (REES) 2025, the members decided to host a stakeholder meeting in Bhubaneswar later this month, inviting industry leaders, researchers, and government officials.

Additionally, the group announced plans to establish an Indian Institute of Earth Science aimed at enhancing education, training, research, and consultancy in rare earth-related fields. They also encouraged professionals from Odisha to engage in upcoming sector events, including one scheduled at IIT Hyderabad.