In a significant step towards accelerating urban and economic development, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan today to discuss the creation of a dedicated Economic Region encompassing Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Paradip.
The initiative aims to develop the cities within this region as “growth hubs” through targeted programs, fostering rapid industrialisation, enhanced connectivity, and tourism potential.
A key highlight of the meeting was the proposal to construct three ring roads totalling 645 kilometres to improve traffic flow and connectivity across the region:
♦ Capital Ring Road: A 432 km stretch from Paradip via Tangi, Saptasajya, and Rameshwar to Puri, integrated with the Central Government’s existing 111 km Capital Region Ring Road project.
♦ Outer Ring Road: 148 km connecting Jatmundia-Trishulia-Urali in Cuttack district to Balipatna-Pipili-Jatni-Khordha.
♦ Inner Ring Road: 65 km from Tamando in Khordha district via Chandaka-Pahala-Dhauli.
These ring roads are expected to decongest urban areas, facilitate smoother movement of goods, and support the growth of port-based industries in Paradip.
Additionally, the plan includes new railway lines: a 32 km track from Puri to Konark and a 70 km line from Konark to Bhubaneswar via Nimapada.
The Chief Minister emphasised that linking Paradip will drive widespread industrial expansion in sectors such as agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, transportation, chemicals, textiles, and IT. The region is also poised for significant advancements in tourism.
Majhi directed officials to maintain regular coordination with NITI Aayog for expediting the projects, introduce new policies where necessary, and amend existing ones for effective implementation. Special focus was placed on tourism development across these areas.
Attendees included Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner Anu Garg, Principal Secretary Usha Padhee, and other senior officials.
This vision aligns with Odisha’s broader goals of sustainable urban growth and economic prosperity, positioning the coastal corridor as a major driver for the state’s future development.
