The Odisha Government is mulling over a series of ambitious projects for establishment of AI and block-chain-enabled handloom hubs and apparel parks in Cuttack, Bargarh and Jajpur districts.

The proposals were discussed at a high-level meeting chaired by Works Department Principal Secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh. Senior officials from the Handlooms, Textiles and Handicrafts, Tourism and Works departments attended the meeting. These projects aimed at strengthening the State’s handloom and textile sector.

Among the key projects discussed was the proposed AI and block-chain-supported Handloom Hub at Abhimanpur in Cuttack district. The project, estimated at Rs 13.51 crore, will be developed over 2.77 acres of land. The planned facility will include administrative offices, a guest house, display shops, weaving demonstration centres, exhibition and sales stalls and warehouse infrastructure.

Officials said the project is expected to give a fresh impetus to the handloom, handicrafts and terracotta sectors while creating employment opportunities for local artisans. In western Odisha, the Government reviewed plans for a Handloom and Apparel Park at Gobindpur in Bargarh district.

The proposed park, to be developed over 9.35 acres at a cost of Rs 20 crore, is expected to cater to weavers and artisans from Bargarh, Sambalpur, Subarnapur and Balangir districts. The facility will support long warping, winding and weaving operations and is expected to enable more than 300 artisans to manufacture garments using advanced stitching technology.

The meeting also discussed the establishment of a Bunakar Haat at Behera Balijuri in Bargarh district. The project, estimated to cost Rs 27.57 crore, will come up over 29.12 acres and will feature around 2,000 platforms for exhibition and sale of handloom products. The proposed haat will also include dedicated transport corridors, parking facilities and food stalls to support commercial activities and tourism.

Another major proposal reviewed was the setting up of an AI and blockchain-enabled Handloom Hub at Gopalpur in Jajpur district. The Rs 15-crore project will be developed over nearly two acres and is aimed at promoting silk sarees, textiles and home décor products.

The hub will include production infrastructure, supply chain support, training and marketing facilities, dedicated stalls, administrative offices and a “Resham Odisha” outlet. Officials said the project is also expected to promote tourism in the region.