Odisha Pushes Faster Development as Khordha Unveils 25-Project Growth Plan

Bhubaneswar: From new industrial zones and improved rail and road connectivity to heritage tourism and a proposed science and innovation hub, Khordha is looking at an ambitious development roadmap as Odisha steps up efforts to align district-level growth with its long-term vision for 2036 and 2047.

The roadmap featuring 25 strategic projects was presented by Khordha Collector Amrit Rituraj during a secretarial-level review meeting chaired by Chief Secretary Anu Garg at Kharavela Bhawan on Thursday.

The projects span industry, infrastructure, agriculture, sports, tourism, heritage, science and innovation, with a focus on creating new economic opportunities while improving public infrastructure and connectivity across the district.

Reviewing the state’s development and financial performance, Garg directed departmental Secretaries to accelerate the implementation of schemes and projects for which budgetary provisions have already been made. She stressed the need for better expenditure performance while ensuring that faster execution does not compromise quality or intended outcomes.

The Finance Department informed the meeting that the state’s total expenditure and scheme expenditure up to August had increased compared with the corresponding period last year. Revenue collection and capital expenditure have also shown improvement.

Industrial expansion and better connectivity

The Khordha roadmap identifies Begunia-Bolagarh and Tangi for potential development as industrial zones. The proposed zones are expected to attract investments, generate local employment and create opportunities for MSME-linked ancillary industries.

Improving connectivity is another major component of the plan. Expansion and capacity enhancement of the Khordha-Vizianagaram railway line and development of the proposed Hata Ring Road feature among the key projects.

The Hata Ring Road is envisaged as an important link between the capital region and coastal areas, with potential benefits for logistics, industrial movement and tourism.

The roadmap also includes widening of the Jayadev Vihar-Nandankanan road, construction of flyovers and strengthening of connecting roads.

Infrastructure beyond urban centres

The district administration has proposed a range of facilities at the grassroots level, including Kalyan Mandaps, rural markets, model parks and ponds at the Gram Panchayat level.

Modern convention centres at the block level have also been proposed as part of efforts to strengthen social and public infrastructure beyond the urban areas.

Sports development has been included in the roadmap through proposals for strengthening sports infrastructure and training facilities.

Heritage and Chilika tourism

Khordha’s cultural and natural assets have also found a place in the development plan. The roadmap proposes conservation of heritage sites and development of the Balakati brass and bell-metal craft cluster, linking traditional crafts with livelihood and tourism opportunities.

The district has also proposed developing Chilika as an eco-tourism circuit, while improved irrigation infrastructure and early implementation of the Rajua Diversion Weir project have been identified as priorities for the agriculture and water sectors.

One of the key heritage proposals is the Paika Memorial Cultural Centre, planned as a destination combining history, education and tourism. It is proposed to include a digital museum, interpretation centre, research facilities and cultural exhibition spaces.

Capital Science City to anchor innovation

The roadmap also seeks to give science and technology a greater role in the district’s future. The Innovation Hub at Capital Science City has been proposed for development as a centre for science, technology, research and innovation.

The initiative is aimed at positioning Khordha as a major knowledge and innovation hub and creating a stronger ecosystem for research, technology and emerging enterprises.

At the state level, Garg’s review also covered recent welfare and governance initiatives, including free textbooks for Classes IX and X, removal of the attempt cap in OPSC examinations, the fifth instalment of the Subhadra scheme and the second National Garima Sammelan.

She appreciated the initiatives for their contribution to human resource development, women’s empowerment and inclusive growth, while reiterating the need for departments to ensure that government programmes result in timely and tangible benefits for people.