Odisha CM launches ambitious economic regional plan BCPPER

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday (February 7, 2026) launched an ambitious development plan that brings eight urban centres under the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradeep Economic Region (BCPPER), aimed at serving as a major growth engine of Odisha.

The BCPPER, which accounts for 19% of Odisha’s total economy and is valued at $22.4 billion, is targeted to grow to a level of $500 billion by 2047. The economic plan has been prepared by NITI Aayog.

BCPPER is spread over 11,892 square kilometres and has been growing at 10% compounded annual growth rate (CAGR). The proposed region will be governed by the Economic Region Development Agency. It will have a G-Hub Crack Unit, Destination Management Office, Project Management Unit and Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICCC).

It has proposed to create a special economic zone (SEZ) for education, innovation city, and logistics hub.

“The BCPPER will be developed as a major growth hub of the State’s economy. This region will also play a significant role in the country’s economic growth,” said Mr. Majhi.

“Each city in this region has its own unique strengths and special characteristics. Bhubaneswar has edge in technology, Cuttack has business traditions, Puri’s cultural heritage is well known, and Paradeep is witnessing port-based development. The current plan is to connect these regions with modern infrastructure and implement various projects in each area,” said the Odisha CM.

He pointed out that plans have been made for more than 80 projects in sectors such as metal downstream industries, biotechnology, textiles, chemicals, tourism, education, and IT. Besides, over 30 policy initiatives will be undertaken to transform the entire region into a laboratory of development and prosperity, said Mr. Majhi.

Union Budget’s proposal

“In the Union Budget 2026–27, the Central government has proposed the development of City Economic Regions (CERs), and the BCPPER region has been included in this initiative. For the development of each CER, the Central government has earmarked a financial allocation of ₹5,000 crore,” he said.

NITI Aayog CEO B.V.R. Subrahmanyam, while appreciating the initiative of the State government, said 70-80% of GDP comes from urban areas. By 2047, the goal is to bring more than half of the population under urbanisation.

“After Mumbai, Surat, Visakhapatnam, and Varanasi, this is NITI Aayog’s fifth such plan. Under the Prime Minister’s guidance, NITI Aayog has also prepared plans for a developed Odisha,” said Mr. Subrahmanyam. NITI Aayog member Rajiv Gauba said that the BCPPER project will prove to be a key pillar in transforming Odisha into a developed State.