Locals in Paradip Welcome JSW Steel Initiative, Highlighting Employment Opportunities
The industrial landscape of Paradip in Odisha’s Jagatsinghpur district is undergoing a significant transformation. Local communities, who had previously resisted large-scale projects, are now extending strong support to new investments. One notable example is the JSW Utkal Steel project, a Rs 65,000-crore initiative that has garnered widespread support from residents of nearby villages, including Dhinkia and its adjoining areas. Thousands of residents, including women, have come forward in favor of the project, marking a striking reversal from the days of opposition to the Posco Steel project.
The JSW Steel complex, with a planned capacity of 13.2 million tonnes per annum, will include a captive power plant, dedicated jetties, and allied infrastructure. The project is expected to drive economic growth, generate jobs, and strengthen human resources in the region. Local residents, who have traditionally relied on betel vine cultivation and subsistence agriculture, are now seeing the benefits of industrial development as a path to sustainable prosperity.
Women, in particular, are playing a crucial role in supporting the project. Many have benefited from JSW’s Sustainable Livelihood Project, which has provided them with training and employment opportunities. Minati Dalai, a young woman from Patana village, is one such example. She works as a security guard at the JSW Steel complex and has seen a significant change in her life. “I was sitting idle at home earlier, but now I’m able to support my family,” she said.
The company’s range of livelihood interventions has also helped families enhance their incomes and become self-reliant. These initiatives include training in paddy cultivation, seed and fertilizer support, livestock and horticulture development, and women’s empowerment through mushroom cultivation, tailoring, incense stick making, and spice processing. Local residents, such as Prabhat Rout of Patana village, are appreciative of these efforts. “These initiatives have helped families enhance their incomes and become self-reliant,” he said.
The shift in sentiment towards industrial development is a significant change from the past. According to Ranjan Bardhan of Gobindpur village, “At long last, people here see hope for lasting change. The establishment of JSW’s steel plant will not only drive economic growth but also generate jobs and strengthen our human resources.” Sisira Mohapatra, a septuagenarian from Dhinkia, also praised JSW’s efforts, noting that the company has been consistently investing in education, health, agriculture, transport, employment generation, women empowerment, environmental protection, and technological advancement. Overall, the support for the JSW Utkal Steel project is a testament to the changing attitudes towards industrial development in the region.
JSW Steel anticipates a robust second half of the year, driven by resilient domestic demand and favorable policy initiatives that are expected to boost its outlook, according to a report by Mint.
JSW Steel, a leading Indian steel manufacturer, has reported a significant surge in its net profit for the second quarter of FY26, with a four-fold increase to ₹1,646 crore. This substantial growth can be attributed to strong domestic demand and policy support, which have bolstered the company’s outlook for the second half of the fiscal year. The company’s sales have been robust, driving the profit increase.
According to the company’s Q2 results, the profit rise is primarily due to expanded margins, which have been a result of efficient operations and favorable market conditions. However, despite the impressive growth, the company’s profit fell short of estimates, with a 307% increase in Q2, lower than anticipated.
The management of JSW Steel has adopted a cautious stance for 2026, citing potential challenges and uncertainties in the market. Despite this, the company remains optimistic about its performance in the second half of the fiscal year, driven by strong domestic demand and supportive policies.
The Indian government’s initiatives to boost the steel sector, combined with increasing infrastructure development and construction activities, are expected to drive growth for JSW Steel in the coming months. The company’s ability to capitalize on these opportunities, while maintaining efficient operations and managing costs, will be crucial in determining its future performance.
Overall, JSW Steel’s Q2 results indicate a positive trend for the company, with strong sales and expanding margins. While the management’s cautious outlook for 2026 is understandable, given the uncertainties in the market, the company’s fundamentals and market conditions suggest a promising outlook for the second half of the fiscal year. As the Indian steel sector continues to grow, driven by government support and increasing demand, JSW Steel is well-positioned to benefit from these trends and deliver strong performance in the coming months.
Adani Krishnapatnam Port Reaches Two Significant Milestones in September 2025
Adani Krishnapatnam Port Ltd. (AKPL) has achieved two significant milestones in September 2025, solidifying its position as one of India’s most efficient multipurpose ports. The first milestone was reached when the port discharged 61,500 metric tons (MT) of iron ore in just 24 hours for JSW Steel. This operation, which involved the vessel MV Eurybia, set a new benchmark in bulk cargo handling performance. The successful completion of this task was made possible by AKPL’s advanced mechanization, yard logistics, and effective manpower coordination.
The second milestone marked AKPL’s entry into a new cargo segment, as it handled its first-ever rock phosphate shipment. The port imported 13,100 MT of rock phosphate for Blue Phosphate Ltd via the vessel MV Glamor. This achievement not only diversifies AKPL’s commodity portfolio but also demonstrates the port’s ability to adapt to new cargo segments. Both milestones showcase AKPL’s strategic focus on operational agility and customer-oriented growth, aligning with Adani Ports & SEZ’s broader vision of strengthening India’s maritime infrastructure.
These achievements further cement AKPL’s role as a high-performance hub on India’s East Coast, serving various industries such as steel, energy, fertilizer, and bulk commodities. The port’s ability to handle large volumes of cargo efficiently and effectively has made it an attractive destination for businesses looking to import and export goods. With its advanced infrastructure and commitment to operational excellence, AKPL is well-positioned to continue playing a vital role in India’s maritime trade. The port’s entry into new cargo segments and its ability to handle diverse types of cargo will also contribute to its growth and expansion in the future. Overall, AKPL’s milestones in September 2025 demonstrate its capabilities as a world-class multipurpose port and its potential for future growth and development.