The Odisha government is set to release the final blueprint for the ambitious Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) shortly. This integrated urban corridor is designed to retain the distinct identities of its four constituent cities while forging them into a powerful, contiguous economic engine for the state.
High-Level Meeting Charts the Course
On Monday, a crucial meeting was held between top officials from NITI Aayog and the Odisha government. The session was led by the state's Chief Secretary, Anu Garg. The discussions focused on various aspects of the proposed corridor, which forms a central component of the state's long-term Viksit Odisha 2036 Vision.
BVR Subramanyam, the Chief Executive Officer of NITI Aayog, confirmed the development. He stated that numerous projects are queued under the Viksit Odisha 2036–2047 Vision Document, which was launched by Prime Minister Narendra Modi in June 2024. "There was discussion on the release of the plan for the Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, Paradip Economic Region," Subramanyam added.
Preserving Unique Identities for Collective Growth
The final plan is being crafted after examining a draft with NITI Aayog and key stakeholders in September 2023. The government's strategy smartly leverages the core strengths of each city:
- Bhubaneswar will be developed as a knowledge and IT hub.
- Cuttack will retain and enhance its judicial and historical significance.
- Puri will amplify its global cultural and tourism appeal.
- Paradip will solidify its position as a maritime and industrial powerhouse.
The meeting concluded with a decision to fast-track the planning and implementation of this integrated corridor. Year-wise targets will be set, aligning with Odisha's broader development roadmap.
A Central Pillar for a Trillion-Dollar Economy
The BCPPER is not just an infrastructure project; it is envisioned as the backbone of Odisha's monumental economic ambitions. The corridor is expected to be pivotal in achieving the state's goal of becoming a US$ 500-billion economy by 2036 and scaling up to a staggering US$ 1.5 trillion by 2047.
Officials also reviewed the progress of central and state schemes linked to the 2036 Vision. They discussed methods to improve inter-departmental coordination for faster on-ground execution. The unified corridor aims to transform the four-city belt into a single, integrated growth zone capable of driving long-term expansion across multiple sectors:
- Industry
- Logistics
- Tourism
- Services
The planning goes beyond pure economics. The meeting addressed critical social and sustainability priorities. Strategies were discussed to strengthen the socio-economic empowerment of tribal communities while ensuring the preservation of their traditional values.
Emphasis was also placed on creating a skilled workforce to support this growth. Furthermore, plans are being formulated to scale up green energy adoption and devise long-term renewable energy strategies. This aims to position Odisha as a leader in India's energy transformation.
The push for technology-driven governance was highlighted, with proposed initiatives to improve maternal and child health and nutrition outcomes, particularly in the state's interior regions.
