Odisha & NITI Aayog Obtain Key Suggestions For Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Paradip Economic Region

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, hosted a Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) on Tuesday.

The session, chaired by Development Commissioner Anu Garg, brought together senior government officials, industry leaders, experts, and civil society representatives to deliberate on the BCPPER Growth-Hub Economic Plan.

In her inaugural address, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development, Usha Padhee stressed the need for sustainable development rooted in Odia Asmita (identity and pride). She said the BCPPER initiative aligns with the Prime Minister’s vision of a Viksit Bharat, balancing economic ambition with cultural heritage.

Delivering the keynote, Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor, NITI Aayog, outlined a Growth-Hub strategy that positions BCPPER as a key driver for Odisha’s long-term economic aspirations. The plan projects the corridor as instrumental in achieving a USD 500-billion economy by 2036 and supporting Odisha’s goal of becoming a USD 1.5-trillion economy by 2047.

Garg highlighted the unique character of the four core cities—Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Paradip—stating that their distinctiveness must be preserved even as the state accelerates urban and economic growth.

The open forum witnessed active participation from senior state officials including Principal Secretaries Sanjay Kumar Singh (Works), NBS Rajput (Public Enterprises and CMD, OSRTC), Chithra Arumugam (Labour & ESI), and Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar (Handloom & Textiles), along with representatives from academia, industry bodies, and resource organizations.

Stakeholders recommended a broad spectrum of measures, including stronger environmental safeguards, climate-resilient infrastructure, investment in research and innovation, thematic tourism circuits, better waste management, expanded health and neighbourhood amenities, community-based planning, and affordable housing.

These inputs will guide the government in finalizing the BCPPER roadmap, which already identifies over 65 priority projects and 37 policy reforms.