Union Minister Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Odisha CM to Develop Two New City Economic Regions
In a significant move aimed at fostering balanced regional development, Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has formally requested Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi to establish two distinct City Economic Regions (CERs) in the state. This proposal seeks to replicate the success of the existing Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) model, which has been instrumental in driving economic growth in eastern Odisha.
Western Odisha's Sambalpur-Sundargarh-Jharsuguda-Bargarh Belt
In a detailed letter addressed to the Chief Minister on Thursday, Pradhan highlighted the immense potential of the Sambalpur-Sundargarh-Jharsuguda-Bargarh corridor in western Odisha. Strategically positioned around the Hirakud dam and along the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers, this region boasts a unique combination of natural resources and industrial infrastructure.
"With rich agricultural resources, abundant minerals, a strong industrial base, vibrant cultural traditions and diverse tourism assets, the region has the potential to drive growth across agriculture, services and manufacturing," Pradhan emphasized in his communication.
The area is already home to major industries in:
- Steel and aluminium production
- Coal mining and power generation
- Agro-based enterprises
- The globally renowned Sambalpuri handloom sector
This diverse economic ecosystem creates substantial opportunities for large-scale value addition and employment generation across multiple sectors.
Educational and Connectivity Advantages
Pradhan further noted that prestigious institutions such as NIT Rourkela, IIM Sambalpur, VSSUT Burla and Sambalpur University position this region as an emerging hub for knowledge, innovation and entrepreneurship. The geographical location within a 300-kilometer radius of four major urban centers—Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Ranchi and Visakhapatnam—makes it a natural candidate for CER development.
"Supported by strong rail-road-air connectivity and inherent cultural and natural strengths, this western Odisha belt is perfectly positioned for accelerated economic development," the Union Minister stated.
Central Odisha's Angul-Dhenkanal Industrial Cluster
Pradhan also advocated for CER status for the Angul-Dhenkanal cluster in central Odisha, describing it as one of the most strategically important industrial belts for both Odisha and India. Centrally located, this region serves as a crucial gateway between coastal ports and the mineral-rich western hinterland, forming a natural industrial and power corridor.
The area is exceptionally rich in mineral resources including:
- Coal reserves
- Chromite deposits
- Iron ore resources
These resources support heavy industry, advanced manufacturing, renewable energy projects and various downstream sectors, creating a comprehensive industrial ecosystem.
Key Industrial and Educational Infrastructure
Angul district houses major energy and industrial complexes that are critical to Odisha's economic stability:
- NALCO smelter facilities
- NTPC Kaniha power plant
- Talcher Super Thermal Power Station
- Extensive MCL coalfields
"These installations collectively underpin Odisha's energy security and industrial foundation," Pradhan noted in his letter.
Dhenkanal complements this industrial strength with steel plants, ferro-alloy units and emerging defence manufacturing facilities, benefiting from its proximity to the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Paradip economic corridor. Educational institutions such as IGIT Sarang and the Skill India Centre in Angul ensure a steady supply of trained technical manpower to support these industries.
Tourism and Sustainable Development Potential
Beyond industrial development, Pradhan highlighted the tourism assets that could contribute to sustainable economic growth in both proposed CERs. The Angul-Dhenkanal region features:
- Satkosia Tiger Reserve
- Kapilash Temple
- Saptasajya hills
These natural and cultural attractions widen the scope for eco-tourism and related economic opportunities that can benefit local communities while preserving the region's environmental heritage.
Aligning with National Development Vision
Pradhan stated that both proposed economic clusters reflect the broader vision of 'Purvodaya'—the development of eastern India as a growth engine for the nation. The Union Minister formally requested Chief Minister Majhi to initiate concrete steps to develop these two zones as formal City Economic Regions.
"This strategic development will enable balanced regional growth across Odisha while positioning the state as a key economic driver in India's eastern region," Pradhan concluded in his proposal, emphasizing the transformative potential of this initiative for Odisha's long-term economic prosperity.
