India is a diverse country, one that’s filled with enigmatic places like Odisha that’s known for its beautiful destinations, and religious tourist spots like Puri. But Odisha’s future seems to be growing bigger and brighter, thanks to the upcoming and ongoing mega projects that are proposed for the state.
If you are a resident of Odisha or know someone who lives there, now is the time to alert them about how elaborate and beautiful the state’s future is going to be. From road and transportation projects to airport construction and beautification, a lot is happening.
This article will explore everything that you need to know about the upcoming and ongoing Odisha Megaprojects in 2024 that you need to be aware of.
Top Upcoming Odisha Megaprojects 2024
1. Bhubaneswar Railway Station Redevelopment
When talking about the tourist footfall in Odisha, the capital city does not require any introduction. Hence, it makes sense that the Bhubaneswar railway station is proposed to undergo significant redevelopment.
The redevelopment of Bhubaneswar Railway Station is a major project being undertaken by the Indian Railways at a cost of ₹397.58 crore. The project aims to transform the station into a world-class infrastructure with modern amenities and facilities.
The redevelopment work includes the construction of a new iconic station building, a passenger area designed like airport terminals, separate entry and exit gates, baggage security, a check-in area, an information center, an art gallery, a food plaza, and other modern facilities and will be completed by November 2024.
2. Puri Railway Station Redevelopment
Jagannath Temple in Puri attracts the majority of the tourists in Odisha and since the railway station is one of the direct modes of communication, its redevelopment and beautification was the need of the hour.
The project, like the Bhubaneshwar railway station, has been undertaken by the Indian Railways and the total allotted budget for the redevelopment is Rs. 161.5 crore and will reportedly be finished by December 2024.
The main objective of the project is to transform the look and amenities that are available at the Puri Railway Station, integrating them with modern-class amenities and facilities. The redevelopment will involve the construction of the new terminal building, entry and exit gates, food courts, etc.
3. Biju Expressway
Next up on the list of major developmental projects in Odisha has to include the Biju Expressway. The expressway will span across a length of 650 km and is named after the former Chief Minister of Odisha and a renowned leader of the state, Biju Patnaik.
The expressway starts at Chandili (border village in Koraput district) and goes on to touch border towns/market centers such as Kotpad, Boriguma, Nabarangpur, Papadahandi, Ambapani, Godbhanja, Dharmagarh, Sinapalli, Bhella, Sambalpur, etc. and finally ends at Rourkela.
Not only will the expressway reduce travel time, but it is also reportedly going to boost the state’s economy and improve the connectivity between the varying regions in the state. It will also play a significant role in the state’s trade and tourism.
4. Dhamra Airport
Dhamra Airport is a proposed commercial airport to be built by the Dhamra Port Company Limited (DPCL), 20 km from Dhamra Port in the Bhadrak district of Odisha, India. The airport will be built on an area of 500 acres and will have a runway length of 3,200 meters.
It will be able to handle all types of aircraft, including wide-bodied jets. The airport is expected to be completed by 2025 and will be a major boost to the economic development of the region. It will provide better connectivity to the Dhamra Port and the industrial hub of Odisha.
Reports suggest that the project is currently at the land acquisition phase where 274 acres of land was acquired as per DPCL’s proposal and the remaining will be acquired by the Odisha State Government in the future.
5. Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium
Did you know that the Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium is the largest “fully-seated” hockey stadium in the world? Named after the legendary tribal leader, Birsa Munda, the stadium has a capacity of 20,011 permanent seats and is located in Rourkela, Odisha.
The Birsa Munda International Hockey Stadium was built exclusively to host the 2023 Men’s FIH Hockey World Cup. This was the fourth time India hosted this event and it was also the second time the World Cup hosted in Odisha.
What’s amazing about this Guinness World Records-recognized stadium in Odisha is that it is equipped with state-of-the-art amenities and facilities, which are there to make training a breeze for hockey players. It is also equipped with the latest world-class facilities.
6. Dhamra Industrial SEZ
Dhamra Industrial SEZ (Special Economic Zone) is a 4500-acre industrial park located in the Bhadrak district of Odisha, India. It is one of the largest SEZs in India and is strategically located near the Dhamra Port, which is one of the deepest seaports in the country.
The project was constructed in a 50:50 partnership between Larsen & Toubro and TATA Steel. While the initial capacity of the port was around 25 million tonnes of cargo, it was later revised to 80 million tonnes annually.
What’s great about this port and SEZ is the kind of additional advantages it offers. For example, it enables the investors to avail 100% exemption from customs duty on import of capital goods and raw materials. There are tax exemptions involved too along with single-window clearance and modern facilities and infrastructure.
7. NIMZ Kalinganagar
Another popular megaproject in Odisha that deserves a lot of recognition is NIMZ Kalinganagar. The National Investment and Manufacturing Zone (NIMZ) at Kalinganagar is a major industrial project being developed by the Government of Odisha in the Jajpur district of the state. The project is spread over an area of 40,339 acres and is expected to attract an investment of over ₹1 lakh crore.
The completion of this project is going to impact Odisha in several ways. Not only is it expected to contribute to the economic development of the state, but it will also attract significant investment and create a large pool of jobs for people.
This multi-sector industrial zone will also be open to a variety of industries, including metal and mining, power and renewable energy, chemicals and petrochemicals, food processing, engineering and machinery, etc.
8. Paradip Port Expansion
The Paradip Port in Odisha, India, is undergoing a major expansion to increase its capacity and efficiency. The expansion project is expected to be completed by 2025. The expansion will contribute to the economic development of Odisha quite significantly.
Some of the new additions following this expansion and redevelopment will include the construction of an additional cargo terminal, expansion of the existing iron ore terminal, development of a new container terminal, etc.
Besides these additions, the port expansion will also offer a plethora of benefits. For example, it is expected to increase the cargo handling capacity, from 135 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) to 500 MTPA by 2047. It will also reduce congestion significantly, thereby leading to faster turnaround times for vessels and lower shipping costs for businesses.
9. PCPIR Paradip Region
One of the most awaited mega projects in Odisha that deserves special mention is the PCPIR Paradip Region. The Petroleum, Chemicals, and Petrochemicals Investment Region (PCPIR) Paradip Region is a major industrial project being developed by the Government of Odisha in the Jagatsinghpur and Kendrapara districts of the state.
The project is spread over an area of 275 square kilometers and is expected to attract an investment of over ₹2.77 lakh crore. This will attract a variety of industries including petroleum and petrochemicals, chemicals, fertilizers, plastics, textiles, logistics, engineering and machinery, etc.
The main aim of this project is to ensure the economic development of the state and attract a significant amount of investment from different businesses and industries. It will also generate jobs and promote export practices from the state.
10. Puri Heritage Corridor
While we are on the topic of economic growth and development in Odisha, another aspect that deserves special mention is the Puri Heritage Corridor. The Puri Heritage Corridor (PHC) is a major development project underway in the holy city of Puri, Odisha, India. The project aims to transform the city into a world-class pilgrimage destination while preserving its unique cultural heritage.
PHC will cover an area of 700 acres and have a few integral elements included in the place, including a 5.5 km long pedestrian walkway, a new reception center for the pilgrims, a museum that will be dedicated to highlighting the rich history of Puri, and a cultural center for hosting performances and exhibitions.
The PHC is being developed with a focus on sustainability and accessibility. The pedestrian walkway will be lined with trees and plants and will feature seating areas and resting points. The project also includes the development of new public transportation facilities and barrier-free access for people with disabilities. One of the The most ambitious Odisha Megaprojects for the heritage of the state.
11. Bhubaneswar ISBT
Next on the list of the popular Odisha Megaprojects is Bhubaneswar ISBT, which is a bus terminal that’s located in Bhubaneshwar, Odisha. It is specifically located in Baramunda, which is around the outskirts. The project is under construction at the moment and will reportedly be finished by 2025.
The completion of this project will make ISBT the largest bus terminal in the entirety of Odisha. According to reports, the bus terminal will be able to hold and process up to 2000 buses every day and the terminal will also be equipped with some of the most modern amenities, including a waiting lounge, food court, shopping center, etc.
The ISBT is being developed by the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). The project is being funded by the Government of Odisha. There will also be a dedicated parking lot that will have a capacity of up to 500 cars.
12. Subarnarekha Port
Odisha has a lot of port-related megaprojects in the pipeline and the Subarnarekha Port is worth mentioning. Subarnarekha Port is a proposed deep-water, all-weather port in Balasore district, Odisha, India. It is located at the mouth of the Subarnarekha River, about 200 kilometers from Kolkata.
The port is being developed by Subarnarekha Port Private Limited (SPPL), a joint venture between the Government of Odisha and private investors. The first phase of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2025, will have the capacity to handle 10 million tonnes of cargo per year.
The second phase of the project, which is expected to be completed by 2030, will have the capacity to handle 30 million tonnes of cargo per year.
13. Coastal Highway, Odisha
Given that Odisha is known for its sea beaches and coastal glory, the construction of the Coastal Highway makes 100% sense. One of the The most ambitious Odisha Megaprojects.
The Coastal Highway, Odisha is a proposed 450-kilometer highway that will run along the coast of Odisha, India. The highway will connect the towns of Gopalpur and Digha, passing through several important coastal towns and cities, including Puri, Konark, and Bhubaneswar.
Following the completion of this project will make travel experiences a lot more seamless for tourists, especially ones planning to travel through the coastal towns in Odisha.
14. Info Valley Bhubaneswar
Info Valley Bhubaneswar is a 4,000-acre IT and ITES SEZ located on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, India. It is one of the largest IT SEZs in India and is home to several leading IT companies, including Infosys, TCS, and Wipro.
The project is a well-planned and developed SEZ with all the latest amenities and facilities. It has a state-of-the-art infrastructure, including wide roads, well-maintained parks, a dedicated power supply, water supply, etc.
Info Valley Bhubaneswar is also well-connected to the rest of the city. It is located near the Biju Patnaik International Airport and the Bhubaneswar Railway Station. The SEZ is also well-served by public transportation.
So here is the some worth highlighting Odisha Megaprojects 2024 that you have to aware of it. We hope that you got all the information about the upcoming Odisha Megaprojects that are happening in this rapidly transforming state.
Conclusion
Odisha is undergoing tremendous growth and development and these megaprojects are a testament to that. If you live in the state or are planning to relocate or visit, the completion of these projects will not only uplift your quality of life but also ensure that you have the best time exploring the state and even the tourist spots around.