Argus News - Dharmendra Pradhan Urges Odisha CM To Develop Sambalpur & Angul Clusters As City Economic Regions

New Delhi/Bhubaneswar, Feb 19: Union Education Minister Dharmendra Pradhan has written to Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, urging the state government to develop two distinct City Economic Regions — Sambalpur-Sundargarh-Jharsuguda-Bargarh cluster and Angul-Dhenkanal cluster — modeled on the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip economic corridor, officials said on Thursday.

In his letter, Pradhan highlighted the immense industrial, educational, agricultural, and tourism potential of these regions, noting that together they contribute over 26% to Odisha’s Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP). He emphasized that the clusters could serve as engines of balanced economic growth, industrialization, and urbanization, while creating large-scale employment opportunities.

The Sambalpur-Sundargarh-Jharsuguda-Bargarh cluster, located along the Mahanadi and Brahmani rivers and enriched with mineral resources, already hosts major industries in steel, aluminium, coal, and power. It is also home to prestigious institutions such as NIT Rourkela, IIM Sambalpur, VSSUT Burla, and Sambalpur University, making it a hub for knowledge, innovation, and startups. Pradhan pointed out that this region’s proximity to Bhubaneswar, Raipur, Ranchi, and Visakhapatnam within a 300 km radius enhances its commercial significance.

Similarly, the Angul-Dhenkanal cluster, situated in central Odisha, is strategically positioned as a gateway linking mineral-rich western Odisha with coastal ports. With abundant reserves of coal, chromite, and iron ore, the region hosts major enterprises such as NALCO, NTPC Kaniha, Talcher Thermal Power Station, and Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL). The recently declared National Waterway-5 along the Brahmani river is expected to revolutionize mineral transport between Talcher, Kalinganagar, and Paradip.

The Union Minister also pointed to emerging investments in steel and defence manufacturing in Dhenkanal, alongside renewable energy projects in Angul. Skill development centres at IGIT Sarang and Anugul are equipping youth for new-age industries, while tourism sites such as Satkosia Tiger Reserve, Kapilas, and Saptasajya offer opportunities for sustainable economic growth.

Tourism prospects in Debrigarh, Bheemamandali, Vedavyas, Khanda Dhar, and Pradhanpat waterfalls further strengthen the case for integrated development of these clusters. Pradhan highlighted that industrialization, coupled with systematic urbanization, would ensure prosperity and welfare for the people of Odisha.

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The Union Minister further stressed that the proposed corridors align with Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s Purvodaya vision, which seeks to accelerate eastern India’s development. “If developed, these new economic regions will not only boost Odisha’s growth but also contribute significantly to India’s overall progress,” Pradhan wrote, enclosing a detailed concept note for the Chief Minister’s consideration.