Category: Indian Governance | Infrastructure | State Development
Date: June 2025
Published by IndianCurrentAffairs.com
🧭 Introduction: A Milestone Visit to Odisha
Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Bhubaneswar to commemorate the first anniversary of the BJP-led government in Odisha and inaugurated major development projects worth over ₹18,600 crore. He also launched the Odisha Vision Document 2036–2047, outlining an ambitious plan to transform the state into a $1.5 trillion economy by the year 2047.
🔨 Sector-Wise Breakdown of ₹18,600 Crore Investments
The development package includes 105 projects across various sectors:
- Drinking Water & Irrigation: Major initiatives to expand rural access to piped drinking water and improved irrigation facilities.
- Healthcare: Construction of new hospitals, diagnostic centers, and wellness clinics in underserved districts.
- Transport Infrastructure:
- Inauguration of upgraded rural roads and state highways.
- New national highway segments for smoother intercity connectivity.
- Railway Expansion:
- New passenger services to Boudh via Sonepur–Purunakatak line.
- Upgraded rail lines between Sarla–Sason and Jharsuguda–Jamga to enhance freight and passenger movement.
- Urban Mobility: Launch of 100 new electric buses under the Capital Region Urban Transport (CRUT) system to promote green transport.
📘 Odisha Vision Document 2036–2047
The Vision Document, prepared through extensive consultations with industry leaders and civil society, lays out two major economic targets:
- By 2036: Achieve a state GDP of $500 billion on Odisha’s 100th anniversary as a linguistic state.
- By 2047: Reach a GDP of $1.5 trillion with a per capita income of approximately $28,000.
The plan includes 36 flagship programs—dubbed the “36 for 36” model—focused on health, education, industrial growth, women’s empowerment, urbanization, and cultural preservation.
🏛️ Key Development Pillars
- Inclusive Infrastructure Growth
Prioritizing connectivity and basic amenities for all, especially in tribal and rural districts. - Sustainable Urban Mobility
Transitioning towards electric public transport and low-emission urban infrastructure. - Cultural & Heritage Tourism
Developing heritage villages through the Baraputra Aitihya Gram Yojana to honor legendary Odia personalities and attract domestic and international tourism. - Women Empowerment
Recognizing over 16.5 lakh ‘Lakhpati Didis’ from self-help groups, who have become symbols of financial independence in rural Odisha.
📈 Urban and Industrial Growth Targets
Odisha is planning a major leap in urbanization, aiming to increase its urban population from 17% to 60% by 2047. Infrastructure to support this includes metro-region expansion connecting Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Puri, and Paradip, alongside international airport development and modern logistics hubs.
Major industrial investments already in progress include:
- Mega aluminium and steel plants
- Green hydrogen and solar energy parks
- Agro-processing and food parks in Ganjam, Keonjhar, and Dhenkanal
🧩 National Alignment with Viksit Bharat 2047
The Vision Document is aligned with India’s national goal of becoming a developed country by 2047. Odisha’s plan is not only state-specific but a strategic component of the country’s eastern economic corridor. The coordination between central and state development goals is expected to accelerate growth while ensuring cultural integrity.
📣 Political and Strategic Significance
Prime Minister Modi’s visit underscored Odisha’s increasing political and economic importance. It also marks a significant step in the BJP’s attempt to deepen its roots in eastern India, with a governance model that blends economic growth with grassroots empowerment.
✨ Conclusion: Eastern India’s Transformation Begins
With over ₹18,600 crore in new projects and the Vision 2047 roadmap, Odisha is on track to become one of India’s top economic powerhouses. The focus on inclusive growth, green energy, heritage promotion, and infrastructure development ensures a comprehensive transformation for the state and its people.
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