Born in a small village in Puri district, Manoj Kumar Sahoo, Director of Dion Group, has transformed himself into a key player in Odisha’s real estate and automobile industries. After finishing studies, he decided to join his family business running since 1980. He tried his luck in various business verticals like automobile, construction, and real estate and was highly successful.
In an exclusive interview with Orissa POST, Sahoo shares his inspiring journey, insights into Odisha’s booming housing sector, and his ambitious plans for electric mobility. With rapid urbanisation and growing demand, he believes the state is poised for a real estate boom, while EV adoption is set to revolutionise the automobile industry.
Do you see any impact of price rises on the real estate business? Are there any upcoming projects?
The Cuttack-Bhubaneswar area currently faces a demand-supply gap of nearly 1,40,000 houses, as per government data. This shortfall highlights the rising need for quality housing. The establishment of the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) has significantly boosted buyer confidence, with more people now preferring to invest in ORERA-registered projects. With a positive economic environment and regulatory support, the real estate market in Odisha is set for further growth.
We are actively working on multiple projects to cater to the evolving demands of homebuyers. A plan is underway for an integrated township in Trishulia, Cuttack district, featuring 1,000 residential buildings. The development will include a 200-bed hospital with modern facilities, malls, multiplexes, schools, and star-rated hotels. Additionally, projects planned along the banks of Kuakhai and Kathajodi rivers will accelerate the state government’s riverfront development initiative.
You also have a strong presence in the automobile industry. What factors are driving sales growth?
We launched Dion Automotive in 2019 as an authorised dealer of Tata Motors’ passenger vehicle and electric mobility units. Today, we have six branches across Odisha in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Balugaon, Phulbani, and Berhampur. So far, we have sold over 7,000 vehicles and have served more than 20,000 customers.
One key driver of our growth is the increasing demand for electric vehicles (EVs). As the government pushes for clean energy and pollution control, EV adoption is expected to rise. We are committed to promoting electric mobility in Odisha in a big way.
How has your journey been so far? What advice do you have for new entrepreneurs?
The journey has been filled with challenges, learning, and achievements. My advice to young entrepreneurs is simple—hard work, dedication, and belief in yourself are keys to success. In any business, your team is your biggest strength. A strong bond with your team ensures seamless operations, which ultimately benefits your customers.
Remember, customers are your assets, not liabilities. Prioritise quality, innovation, and customer satisfaction, and success will follow.
Can you share a glimpse of your early life and what led you into the real estate business?
I was born in a village called Gada Amaraprasad in Nimapada block of Puri district. Growing up in a lower-middle-class family, I never imagined I would one day be in the world of business. My journey was shaped by my family’s values, especially my father’s resilience and determination.
My father, a science graduate, had the courage to leave a stable teaching job to venture into business. His struggles and sacrifices were a testament to the power of resilience. I saw him mortgage my mother’s jewellery to ensure we had a good education.
My exposure to different business backgrounds during my university years fuelled my desire to build something bigger. My initial dream was to start a bottling plant under the brand name “DION Spirit.” While searching for land for the plant, I gained knowledge about real estate. My family’s reservations about the liquor industry, coupled with my ambition to create an impact, eventually led me to real estate—a decision that, in hindsight, was a turning point.
As a major player in the industry, how do you see the demand for housing projects in Odisha?
According to recent data, nearly 80,000 houses are required in Odisha. The demand for housing in Odisha, particularly in the twin cities of Cuttack and Bhubaneswar, is growing rapidly. With modern urban infrastructure, this region is becoming the preferred destination for Odias looking to own a home.
The increase in per capita income, the 8th Pay Commission’s announcement, and the government’s industrialisation and riverfront development push are all driving the real estate sector forward.
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