Odisha CM outlines urban expansion and $500 billion economy goal

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi announced that the state’s urbanization rate is projected to rise from 17% to 40% by 2036. Speaking at the National Urban Conclave-2026 in Bhubaneswar, Majhi detailed a vision to transform Odisha into a $500 billion economy by the centenary of its statehood.

To support this growth, the state is developing the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BKPPER) and expanding satellite townships. Infrastructure initiatives include the implementation of urban projects worth Rs 6,000 crore and the construction of 1.53 lakh houses under the PMAY-Urban scheme.

In terms of public transport, the Chief Minister flagged off 26 electric buses under the PM E-Bus Sewa scheme. He announced plans to add 400 more electric buses, 100 midi buses, and 50 mini electric buses to the fleet, extending services to nine additional cities including Baripada, Angul, and Jharsuguda.