The Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) is poised to be a major catalyst for Odisha's economic growth in the coming years. This vision was highlighted by Anna Roy, Principal Economic Advisor at NITI Aayog, during a recent stakeholder consultation meeting organized by the Odisha government in collaboration with NITI Aayog. The BCPPER initiative aligns with the national ‘Viksit Bharat’ vision, emphasizing a balanced approach to economic development that also preserves the state's rich cultural heritage.

Strategic Growth Hub

Roy outlined a comprehensive "Growth-Hub Strategy" that positions BCPPER as a key driver for Odisha's long-term economic aspirations. The plan aims to leverage the unique identities of Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Paradip to propel urban and economic expansion. The BCPPER is envisioned as being instrumental in achieving a USD 500-billion economy by 2036 and supporting Odisha's broader aspiration of becoming a USD 1.5-trillion economy by 2047.

The four cities within the BCPPER possess distinct characteristics that contribute to the region's overall potential:

• Bhubaneswar: As the capital city, Bhubaneswar is a center for IT and IT-enabled services.
• Cuttack: Known for its rich history and traditional industries.
• Puri: A major religious and tourist destination, attracting visitors from across the globe.
• Paradip: Home to a major port and a Petroleum, Chemical & Petrochemical Investment Region (PCPIR), fostering industrial development.

Key Projects and Policy Reforms

The roadmap for BCPPER identifies over 65 priority projects and 37 policy reforms designed to catalyze growth. These initiatives require effective collaboration and timely implementation to ensure the corridor's success. The specific details of these projects and reforms were not elaborated upon, but they likely encompass infrastructure development, industrial promotion, and improvements to the overall business environment.

Stakeholder Recommendations

The stakeholder consultation meeting saw active participation from senior state officials, industry leaders, experts, and civil society representatives. Participants offered a broad spectrum of recommendations, highlighting the need for:

• Stronger environmental safeguards
• Climate-resilient infrastructure
• Investments in research and innovation
• Thematic tourism circuits
• Better waste management
• Expanded healthcare and neighborhood amenities
• Community-based planning
• Affordable housing

These suggestions will be used to guide the government's next steps in finalizing the BCPPER roadmap.

Broader Economic Corridors and Odisha's Industrial Development

The BCPPER is not an isolated initiative; it is linked to broader economic corridor developments in the region. The Odisha Economic Corridor (OEC) is part of the northernmost stretch of the East Coast Economic Corridor (ECEC). The OEC links with the Visakhapatnam-Chennai Industrial Corridor (VCIC) and the Chennai-Kanyakumari Industrial Corridor (CKIC). The OEC envisions port-led development under the Sagarmala initiative, aiming to improve infrastructure, diversify the industrial mix, and integrate Odisha's manufacturing sector into national and global supply chains.

The Odisha government has expressed interest in setting up an industrial township to further boost industrial growth along these corridors. The state is also focusing on developing sector-specific industrial zones, such as an IT hub in Bhubaneswar and stainless steel and aluminum industry areas in other regions.

NITI Aayog's Support

NITI Aayog is providing crucial support to the Odisha government in preparing the blueprint for the BCPPER metropolitan region. This support includes data analysis and development planning to transform the region into a major urban and economic hub. NITI Aayog is also assisting in the preparation of vision documents for Odisha in 2036 and 2047, aligning the state's development goals with the national vision of a 'Viksit Bharat'.