Odisha Cabinet Clears Path for Mega Economic Regions

The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, has approved the Odisha Development Authorities (Amendment) Bill, 2026, paving the way for the creation of Economic Region Development Authorities (ERDAs).

This landmark decision introduces a statutory framework to establish future economic regions without requiring fresh legislation each time.

Under the new framework, clusters of cities will be transformed into integrated economic corridors featuring modern infrastructure, employment hubs, and efficient mobility systems.

The initiative aligns with Odisha’s Vision 2036 and 2047, positioning urbanisation as a key growth engine.

The Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradeep Economic Region (BKPPER) has been identified as the pilot project in collaboration with NITI Aayog.

Other proposed regions include Bargarh–Jharsuguda–Sambalpur, Berhampur–Chhatrapur–Gopalpur, and Jeypore–Koraput–Sunabeda.

Once the Assembly passes the Bill, BKPPER will become Odisha’s first City Economic Region (CER).

Notably, the Union Budget 2026–27 recognised only four CERs nationwide: BKPPER, Varanasi, Surat, and Visakhapatnam.

ERDAs will serve as coordinating institutions, integrating ports, industrial hubs, cultural sites, and logistics networks.

They will prepare region‑specific Economic Plans and Master Plans to boost investment, employment, housing, and public services.

This strategic move positions Odisha at the forefront of India’s next‑generation economic geography, aligning with the vision of Viksit Odisha for Viksit Bharat.