In major push to BCPPER devpt, Odisha govt plans new policies

Bhubaneswar: In a major push to fast-track the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) envisioned under Odisha Vision 2036 & 2047, the state govt on Wednesday decided to roll out new policies and amend existing ones to accelerate the mega regional development project.Chairing a high-level review meeting, chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed departments to introduce fresh policy frameworks and update existing regulations to support the BCPPER plan. He also stressed the need to prioritise standalone tourism development across the four-city economic belt.Majhi instructed officials to maintain regular coordination with NITI Aayog, which is providing strategic and advisory support to shape BCPPER as a transformative, multi-city economic corridor for coastal Odisha. The govt aims to expedite implementation amidst growing emphasis on building globally competitive urban-industrial clusters.The ambitious BCPPER is projected to contribute around 33% of Odisha’s GSDP by 2047 and evolve into a $500-billion economic hub integrating industry, logistics, tourism, and urban development. According to a CMO statement, the region will be developed through a network of three major ring roads spanning 645 km, with each city within the zone designated as a future “growth hub.”Under the proposed Capital Ring Road, a 432-km corridor will connect Paradip–Tangi–Saptasajya–Rameshwar–Puri, which may be integrated with the Centre’s 111-km Capital Region Ring Road. An outer ring road of 148 km is planned from Jatamundia–Trishulia–Urali in Cuttack to Balipatna–Pipili–Jatni–Khurda, while a 65-km inner ring road will link Tamando–Chandaka–Pahal–Dhauli.The plan also envisions new railway connectivity: a 32-km line from Puri to Konark and a 70-km Konark–Bhubaneswar line via Nimapada, strengthening regional mobility and tourism.With BCPPER linking directly to Paradip, significant industrial expansion is anticipated, particularly in agriculture and fisheries, manufacturing, logistics, port-based industries, chemicals, textiles, IT, and allied sectors. Tourism is expected to receive a major boost through integrated coastal and cultural circuits, the CMO added.