Odisha's Ambitious Vision: Aiming for a $1.5 Trillion Economy by 2047

Odisha's Growth Aspirations

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi emphasized that Odisha is set to play a pivotal role in India's development over the next quarter-century, targeting a $1.5 trillion economy by 2047.

During the NITI Aayog Governing Council meeting in New Delhi, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Majhi expressed confidence in Odisha's potential as a growth engine for the nation.

He stated, "I assure you, Sir (PM), that Odisha will be the driving force in the country's development journey over the next twenty-five years," as reported by his office in Bhubaneswar.

Highlighting India's status as the fastest-growing major economy with a projected growth rate of 6.5% for 2024-25, Majhi noted that Odisha has outpaced this with a growth rate of 7.2% during the same period. He expressed gratitude to the Prime Minister for his five visits to Odisha in the past eleven months, reflecting his commitment to the state's progress.

Majhi acknowledged the Centre's approval of new railway projects valued at ₹73,000 crore and National Highways projects worth ₹4,600 crore, with an additional ₹17,500 crore in projects awaiting sanction. He mentioned that the state is actively implementing various initiatives in collaboration with the Centre, including PM USHA, PM SHRI, Mamata- PMMVY, NEP 2020, and PM JAY.

As his administration approaches its one-year anniversary next month, Majhi outlined the groundwork for 'Samruddha' (prosperous) Odisha 2036, a vision aimed at fostering a developed and empowered state, aligned with Prime Minister Modi's mantra of 'Sabka Sath, Sabka Vikas'.

He pointed out that 2036 will mark the centenary of Odisha's formation, while 2047 will celebrate India's independence centenary. "Our Vision 2036 and 2047 documents represent our ambitious commitment to create a prosperous, developed, and proud Odisha—a 'Viksit Odisha' that shines within a 'Viksit Bharat'. The people of Odisha aspire for the state's economy to reach $500 billion by 2036 and $1.5 trillion by 2047," he stated.

Majhi announced that the Odisha Vision document will be unveiled on June 12, coinciding with his government's first anniversary. This document is a comprehensive, actionable report that incorporates feedback from over 320,000 residents through an online portal, analyzed using AI.

He mentioned that the government is focusing on enhancing agricultural productivity and farmer income by ensuring irrigation across all cultivable areas, alongside promoting rapid urbanization as a growth catalyst. "We aim to develop world-class infrastructure in roads, railways, and air connectivity with support from the Centre. We also plan to utilize the state's extensive coastline for port-based special economic zones to drive economic growth and create job opportunities," he added.

The Chief Minister highlighted the state's efforts to attract investments in textiles, food processing, and emerging industries to generate large-scale employment. He noted that Odisha boasts a top-tier skilling ecosystem, with 'Skilled in Odisha' becoming a global brand, emphasizing their commitment to 'Skilling for the World'. Odisha is positioning itself as a hub for ITeS and global capability centers.

Regarding women's empowerment, Majhi stated that the government has established an inclusive social security system through initiatives like 'Subhadra' for women aged 18-59. The budget for education and health has been significantly increased to ensure future generations are educated, skilled, and healthy contributors to the state's growth.

Additionally, he mentioned, "We have developed schemes to enhance the quality of life for citizens by providing essential amenities such as roads, housing, electricity, drinking water, telecom services, sports infrastructure, and livelihood opportunities for all."

Reflecting on the achievements of the past eleven months, Majhi shared that Odisha has designated Hirakud in the western region as a Special Tourism Zone. "We also plan to develop the Buddhist circuit in Odisha, with an integrated master plan for iconic destinations to be executed in phases," he stated.

The Chief Minister reiterated the government's commitment to achieving 40% urbanization by 2036 and 60% by 2047, up from the current 17%. "We aim to create a metropolitan region spanning 7,000 sq km around Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Jatni, Cuttack, Paradip, and Puri, with similar initiatives for other growth centers," he concluded.