The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved significant proposals during a meeting in Bhubaneswar. Among the 11 key proposals cleared, the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy-2026 stands out as a major reform initiative to strengthen the state’s tourism sector. Amendments to the policy aim to enhance the tourism industry in Odisha by reducing the minimum investment threshold for 3-Star and above hotels and resorts.
The state government’s official statement highlighted the rationalization of expansion norms for existing tourism units, making it easier to expand operational units. Additionally, the Cabinet endorsed the Capital Investment Subsidy (CIS) framework in the Odisha Tourism (Amendment) Policy-2026, allowing tourism projects to be eligible for CIS at specified rates based on investment amounts. Special Zones have been expanded to include high-potential tourist destinations, offering enhanced subsidies for projects in these areas.
Furthermore, the amended policy introduces targeted subsidies for emerging tourism segments such as museums, heritage properties, electric boats, and art and craft theme complexes. It also focuses on incentives for MICE, destination weddings, luxury camping, and electric mobility-based tourism products. The Cabinet decision also includes support for the promotion of authentic Odia cuisine through dedicated frameworks at various tourist destinations.
In a separate decision, the state Cabinet approved an integrated ingot-wafer and solar cell manufacturing project by Tata Power Renewable Energy Limited at the Tata Special Economic Zone in Ganjam district. This project, with a substantial investment and capacity, is expected to create thousands of direct and indirect job opportunities.
