In a landmark move to reshape Odisha’s urban future, the state government has proposed the creation of a mega metropolitan region integrating six major cities—Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Khordha, Jatani, Paradip, and Puri.
The plan was unveiled by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi during the 10th Governing Council meeting of NITI Aayog in New Delhi.
Spanning approximately 7,000 square kilometres, the proposed urban cluster will rival the scale of the Hyderabad Metropolitan Region. The initiative is a core component of Odisha’s strategy to boost urbanisation from 17% to 40% by 2036 and to 60% by 2047.
This vision aligns with the state’s broader economic goals, which include reaching a $500 billion economy by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047. A key focus will be the expansion and modernization of Bhubaneswar, addressing urban congestion, housing shortages, and outdated infrastructure through the Town Planning Scheme and extended administrative jurisdictions.
The long-discussed Tri-City concept—linking Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, and Puri—is poised to become a reality under this initiative, forming the nucleus of the mega-metro. The addition of Khordha, Jatani, and Paradip further enhances the project’s economic and cultural impact.
The proposed mega-metropolitan region is expected to drive integrated urban planning, infrastructure upgrades, and economic growth, positioning Odisha as a model for future-ready urban development.
