Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated plans to develop a large-scale Economic Region encompassing Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Paradip, with a vision to transform the entire corridor into a series of integrated “growth hubs.” A high-level meeting in this regard was held at Lok Seva Bhawan on Wednesday under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi.
During the meeting, the Chief Minister directed officials to prepare a special, time-bound programme for the planned Economic Region, focusing on infrastructure expansion, industrial growth and tourism development. He emphasised coordinated planning to ensure balanced and sustainable development across the region.
As part of the proposal, the government plans to construct three major ring roads spanning a total length of 645 km. These include a 432 km Capital Region Ring Road connecting Paradip, Tangi, Saptasajya, Rameshwar and Puri. This project will be developed in coordination with the Central Government’s proposed 111 km Capital Region Ring Road.
In addition, a 148 km outer ring road is proposed from Jatamundi–Trishulia–Urali in Cuttack district through Balipatna, Pipili, Jatani and Khordha, while a 65 km inner ring road will connect Tamando in Khordha district with Chandaka, Pahala and Dhauli.
To strengthen regional connectivity further, the plan also includes new railway infrastructure. A 32 km railway line from Puri to Konark and a 70 km railway line from Konark to Bhubaneswar via Nimapada have been proposed.
Officials noted that improved connectivity with Paradip Port is expected to act as a major catalyst for industrial expansion in the region. Sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, logistics and transportation, port-based industries, chemicals, textiles and information technology are likely to witness significant growth. The tourism sector, particularly across Puri, Konark and surrounding areas, is also expected to receive a major boost.
The Chief Minister instructed departments to maintain regular coordination with NITI Aayog to fast-track the project and align it with national development priorities. He also directed officials to formulate new policies and amend existing ones, wherever required, to ensure smooth implementation of the Economic Region plan. Special emphasis was laid on strengthening tourism infrastructure and services across the corridor.
The meeting was attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Principal Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswat Mishra, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, and other senior officials.
