2nd September 2025: In a bold move to boost regional economic growth and global competitiveness, the Government of Odisha has launched the ambitious ‘Quad City’ initiative, aimed at transforming key urban centers into powerful engines of development.
Under this program, the state will cluster strategically important cities into integrated economic zones to accelerate industrial growth, infrastructure development, and urban modernization. The initiative is a cornerstone of the government’s Samruddha Sahara (Prosperous Cities) Vision, which seeks to expand urban landscapes while driving inclusive economic activities across Odisha.
Phase I: Bhubaneswar-Puri-Cuttack-Paradip Economic Corridor
The first economic cluster will connect Bhubaneswar, Puri, Cuttack, and Paradip, forming a robust urban-industrial corridor that will catalyze the BCPPPR (Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Regional) economy. This integrated zone is designed to function as a high-impact hub for commerce, logistics, tourism, port-led development, and smart city infrastructure.
Expansion to Western & Southern Odisha
Another major cluster will link Sunabeda, Koraput, Bargarh, and Sambalpur, aiming to unlock the potential of western and southern Odisha through coordinated economic planning. Proposed extensions of the initiative include:
- Sambalpur–Jharsuguda–Bargarh Corridor
- Koraput–Sunabeda–Jeypore Corridor
- Keonjhar–Joda–Badbil Corridor
- Model Cities and Industrial Clusters
In addition, eight key towns near existing industrial clusters — including Anugul, Balangir, Bhadrak, Byasanagar, Keonjhar, Baripada, Rayagada, and Rourkela — will be developed as Model Cities. These urban centers will be equipped with smart infrastructure, sustainable urban planning, and enhanced civic amenities.
Padhee emphasized that this strategy will provide a framework for balanced regional development, foster urban regeneration, and reinforce Odisha’s global economic footprint.
The Quad City plan represents a shift from traditional urban planning to a cluster-based, integrated economic development model, positioning Odisha’s cities as hubs of innovation, trade, and prosperity.
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