Stakeholder consultation on Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Paradeep Economic Region held

Bhubaneswar: The Government of Odisha, in collaboration with NITI Aayog, successfully hosted a Stakeholder Consultation Meeting on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) at the State Convention Centre, Lok Seva Bhawan today.

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

Principal Secretary H&UD Smt Usha Padhee, in her inaugural address, underscored the need to pursue development that is firmly rooted in sustainability and Odia Asmita (identity and pride).

She highlighted that the BCPPER initiative reflects the Prime Minister’s vision for a Viksit Bharat, calling for growth that balances economic ambition with cultural heritage.

In her key note address Ms. Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor, NITI Aayog, outlined an exhaustive Growth-Hub strategy for the BCPPER corridor. The plan envisions the region as a key driver to achieve a USD 500-billion economy by 2036, supporting Odisha’s broader aspiration of growing into a USD 1.5-trillion economy by 2047.

Development Commissioner cum Addl Chief Secretary Garg highlighted the unique character of the four core cities—Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri and Paradip—and emphasized that this distinctiveness must be preserved and celebrated while planning for rapid urban and economic expansion.

The consultation witnessed active participation from senior state officials including the Principal Secretary, Works department Sanjay Kumar Singh, Principal Secretary, Public Enterprises and CMD, OSRTC NBS Rajput, Principal Secretary Labour & ESI Department Chithra Arumugam; Commissioner-cum-Secretary, Handloom & Textiles Department Guha Poonam Tapas Kumar along with representatives from industry bodies, academia, and resource organisations.

During the open forum that was facilitated by Development commissioner, stakeholders attended the workshop provided a rich set of recommendations, highlighting the need for stronger environmental safeguards and climate-resilient infrastructure, investment in research and innovation, thematic tourism circuits, expanded health and neighbourhood amenities, improved waste-management systems, and inclusive planning through community collectives and affordable housing.

Their contributions will guide the Government’s next steps in finalizing the BCPPER roadmap, which already identifies more than sixty-five priority projects and thirty-seven policy reforms.

The meeting concluded with a Vote of Thanks by Satrughna Kar, Additional Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, who acknowledged the valuable insights shared and reaffirmed the State’s commitment to translating them into actionable projects and coordinated governance mechanisms.