Odisha Champions University Townships Integrated with Economic Zones
Odisha has strongly backed the Central Government’s vision of establishing five specialised university townships along major industrial and logistics corridors, as proposed in the Union Budget 2026–27.
Speaking at the national Post-Budget Webinar, the state highlighted its readiness to align higher education with economic development by integrating university townships into strategic economic zones.
The state has identified potential sites such as the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) and city clusters in Western and Northern Odisha, including Rourkela, Sambalpur, and Koraput.
These townships are envisioned as innovation hubs that combine advanced research, skill development, and entrepreneurship with modern infrastructure and inclusive housing facilities, particularly prioritising women’s safety and accessibility.
Odisha’s proposal underscores its ambition to attract global talent, foster academia-industry collaboration, and drive balanced regional growth.
By committing to partner with the Centre, the state aims to transform these townships into centres of excellence that fuel sustainable economic progress while strengthening its position as a frontrunner in education-driven development.
