Bhubaneswar, Feb 07: The Odisha government is considering the creation of a Greater Bhubaneswar Economic Region, which would include Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Paradip.
During a review of activities within the Housing and Urban Development Department at Lok Seva Bhawan on Friday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi stressed the importance of such a plan from both an urbanization and economic standpoint to ensure Odisha's development by 2036.
The Chief Minister highlighted plans to develop a total area of 8,500 square kilometers into a long-term, sustainable economic and residential zone. Majhi also noted that additional areas could be incorporated if necessary, considering future growth over the next 50 years.
He urged officials to visit other states to study their urban development models before advancing the project. Given Bhubaneswar's growing population, discussions also included plans for a new city near Bhubaneswar, as well as the implementation of a metro rail system.
Majhi instructed officials to create a detailed urban development plan for the state.
The meeting was attended by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krishna Chandra Mohapatra, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner and Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Nikunj Bihari Dhal, and other senior officials from the Finance and Public Works Departments.
