UK Firm's ₹2 Lakh Crore Semiconductor Unit in Odisha: A Game-Changer for India's Tech Industry

Berhampur, Odisha: A UK-based company is planning to establish a large-scale semiconductor manufacturing facility in the Ganjam district of Odisha, India. The project involves an initial investment of ₹30,000 crore in the first phase and has an overall value of around ₹2 lakh crore. SRAM & MRAM Technologies and Projects India Pvt Limited, the Indian subsidiary of the UK-based SRAM & MRAM Group, had previously signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the state government on March 26 to set up the semiconductor unit in Odisha. Recently, officials from the company visited various sites near Chhatrapur in the district and held a meeting with the local administration to discuss the project.

Ganjam Collector, Dibya Jyoti Parida, has assured the investors that they will be provided with all the necessary facilities to set up their semiconductor unit in the district. The company officials, led by the project director, Debadutt Singhdeo, have visited several sites, including Tata's industrial park and some private lands, to identify the ideal location. A technical team from the company will soon visit the district to finalize the site.

To establish the unit, the company requires up to 800 acres of land. After exploring other districts, they preferred the site near Chhatrapur because of its strategic advantages. The location offers proximity to the Gopalpur port, a dedicated industrial corridor, an airstrip, and a national highway. Moreover, the area has access to clean water and energy, which are essential requirements for the semiconductor fabrication unit, according to sources from Press Trust of India.

The company aims to establish the semiconductor unit within a two-year timeframe and create direct employment opportunities for 5,000 individuals. Their plan also includes expanding the unit in subsequent phases by investing approximately ₹2 lakh crore by 2027, as stated by Mr. Singhdeo.

The semiconductor unit will primarily focus on producing memory chips, which are used in various electronic devices such as mobile phones, televisions, laptops, air conditioners, and ATMs. Currently, India relies heavily on importing semiconductors, spending around ₹3 lakh crore annually from different countries.

Berhampur MP, Chandra Sekhar Sahu, expressed that the project will greatly contribute to industrialization in the district. He further highlighted that due to the state's attractive industrial policy, numerous companies are showing interest in investing in Odisha.

Mr. Sahu emphasized that the proposed semiconductor unit will serve two important purposes. Firstly, it will generate employment opportunities, contributing to job creation in the region. Secondly, it will help address the country's demand for semiconductors by boosting domestic production, reducing the need for heavy reliance on imports.