Odisha targets 40% urbanisation, $500-billion economy by 2036: CM Majhi

Odisha aims to increase its urbanisation rate from the current 17% to 40% and transform itself into a $500-billion economy by 2036, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi said on Saturday.

Inaugurating the second National Urban Conclave 2026, Majhi said the state was investing in modern urban infrastructure as it prepares to mark 100 years since its formation in 2036.

The chief minister also flagged off 26 electric buses under the PM e-Bus Sewa Yojana during the event, held alongside the 19th Urban Mobility India Conference and Expo 2026. He emphasised the need for sustainable urban transport and improved public connectivity.

The state plans to introduce 400 electric buses, along with 100 midi buses and 50 minibuses, under the scheme. The expansion will extend Ama Bus services to nine additional cities, taking the total number of cities covered beyond the existing seven, Majhi said.

The nine cities are Baripada, Angul, Jharsuguda, Balasore, Jajpur, Rayagada, Jeypore, Bhadrak and Balangir.

Investment and urban expansion

Majhi said Odisha had received investment proposals worth ₹23 lakh crore, with projects worth ₹3.5 lakh crore across more than 200 industries having reached the implementation stage.

The state is also developing the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region with support from the Centre and NITI Aayog. Plans include satellite townships and the expansion of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack. The government has also created 28 new notified area councils, seven municipalities and one municipal corporation, he said.

The chief minister said the state's urban development agenda aligned with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's vision of Viksit Bharat 2047 and the Purvodaya initiative. He called for cities that are inclusive, technology-driven and equipped with modern amenities.

Housing, water and public transport

On urban housing, Majhi said 1.53 lakh houses had been built in Odisha under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana-Urban. Under PMAY 2.0, ₹1,615 crore has been sanctioned over five years for the PMAY Urban Bandhu programme, which offers eligible economically weaker section beneficiaries a 90% exemption on stamp duty and registration fees.

The state has earmarked ₹6,000 crore for urban infrastructure development. Majhi also highlighted the 24-hour Drink from Tap water supply initiative in 11 cities and the Swachh Odisha Yojana, backed by an allocation of ₹1,600 crore.

Emphasising the conclave's theme, The Right to Walk, he said safe footpaths, pedestrian crossings and well-planned public spaces were essential to urban transport systems.

At the event, Majhi unveiled the Ankur Handbook and Town Planning Handbook and launched a new urban development policy.

NITI Aayog CEO Anurag Jain said 50% of India's population was expected to live in urban areas by 2047, contributing 75% of the country's gross domestic product.