Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government is set to develop Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack and Paradip into a unified ‘Common Economic Zone’ by 2027 in a significant move to boost urban-driven growth in the state.
Officials said the ambitious initiative is likely to boost Odisha’s economy as around 33 percent of the state’s economic output is projected to emerge from these four urban centres.
Sharing details of the plan, Chief Secretary Anu Garg told reporters that that the core strengths of each of these four cities will be integrated into the larger economic framework.
Garg, who visited Paradip, said the industrial ecosystem and coastline of Paradip, Puri’s spiritual tourism and beach economy, Bhubaneswar’s educational institutions and knowledge hubs, and Cuttack’s traditional handicrafts and heritage industries will collectively form the backbone of the proposed unified zone.
“The government is planning to transform Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri and Paradip into a common economic region. At least 33% of the state economy will come from this unified zone. The aim is to develop Paradip’s industries, Puri’s spiritualism, beaches and tourism, Cuttack’s legacy, and Bhubaneswar into an education hub. Paradip will have blue flag beach and many more,” said Garg.
During her visit to Paradip, the Chief Secretary reviewed progress related to securing Blue Flag certification for the sea beach at the port city. The 7-kilometre-long coastline of Paradip will undergo phased development, with a portion proposed for inclusion under the internationally recognised Blue Flag category, she said.
As the government has set a target to complete the first phase of the development works by September, officials are of the view that the mega initiative will create new employment opportunities, strengthen infrastructure, and position Odisha as a major economic and tourism hub in eastern India.
