Bhubaneswar, Feb 19: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging him to develop two separate City Economic Regions (CERs) to accelerate balanced economic growth across Odisha.
In his letter, he proposed the formation of the Sambalpur–Sundargarh–Jharsuguda–Bargarh cluster and the Angul–Dhenkanal cluster as distinct economic regions, modeled on the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER).
Sambalpur–Sundargarh–Jharsuguda–Bargarh Cluster
In his communication, Pradhan highlighted that the Sambalpur–Sundargarh–Jharsuguda–Bargarh region is strategically located along the Mahanadi and Brahmani river basins and is home to the iconic Hirakud Dam.
The region boasts abundant mineral resources and a strong industrial base. It has significant potential across agriculture, services, and manufacturing sectors, supported by expanding road, rail, and air connectivity.
The cluster houses major industries in steel, aluminium, coal, and power generation, alongside agro-based industries and the globally renowned Sambalpuri handloom sector. These sectors collectively create an integrated economic ecosystem capable of generating new employment opportunities and boosting business growth.
The presence of reputed educational institutions such as National Institute of Technology Rourkela, Indian Institute of Management Sambalpur, Veer Surendra Sai University of Technology, and Sambalpur University has positioned the region as an emerging hub for innovation, knowledge-driven industries, and start-ups under the “new age economy.”
Geographically, the cluster holds strategic importance as it borders Chhattisgarh and Jharkhand and lies within a 300-kilometre radius of key cities such as Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Ranchi, and the major port city of Visakhapatnam.
Pradhan emphasized strengthening air connectivity through airports including Veer Surendra Sai Airport, Rourkela, Sambalpur (Jamadarapali), and Bargarh (Satibhata).
The region is also rich in tourism potential, with attractions such as Debrigarh Wildlife Sanctuary, Vedavyas, and Khandadhar Falls, among others.
Angul–Dhenkanal Cluster
In the letter, Pradhan further underscored the importance of the Angul–Dhenkanal region, describing it as vital not only for Odisha but also for India’s broader economic progress. Located at the heart of the state, this region acts as a crucial corridor linking coastal ports with mineral-rich western Odisha.
Rich deposits of coal, chromite, and iron ore make it ideal for heavy industries, new manufacturing units, and renewable energy projects such as solar power. Major establishments such as National Aluminium Company, NTPC at Kaniha, and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited at Talcher serve as the backbone of the state’s power and energy supply.
The recently announced National Waterway-5 along the Brahmani River is expected to revolutionize transport logistics by enabling cost-effective movement of minerals between Talcher, Kalinganagar, and Paradip. Additionally, fresh investments in steel and defence manufacturing in Dhenkanal are expected to accelerate industrialization.
Skill development institutions such as Indira Gandhi Institute of Technology Sarang and Skill India Centres in Angul are equipping youth with employable skills. The region also offers eco-tourism and sustainable growth opportunities through destinations like Satkosia Tiger Reserve and Kapilash.
Driving Odisha’s economic transformation
According to Pradhan, these two clusters together contribute more than 26 percent of Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). He noted immense investment opportunities in GCC data centres, electronics manufacturing, textiles, and food processing—particularly in minor forest produce-based industries—along with tourism development.
The Union Minister stressed that the development of these new economic corridors would promote structured urbanization and rapid industrial growth, ensuring prosperity and overall welfare for the people of Odisha.
Aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s ‘Purvodaya’ vision for the comprehensive development of eastern India, the proposed City Economic Regions are expected to create thousands of employment opportunities for local youth.
Pradhan has also submitted a detailed concept note to the Chief Minister, outlining the roadmap for implementing the proposal.
