Berhampur, March 23: In a major push to accelerate economic growth in southern Odisha, Member of Parliament Pradeep Kumar Panigrahy has submitted a comprehensive proposal for a 7,500-acre Strategic Economic Corridor in Ganjam to the Prime Minister’s Office and NITI Aayog.
The ambitious plan envisions transforming the district into a key industrial and economic hub by leveraging its unique geographical advantage. The proposed corridor spans areas such as Bahuda–Chikiti (5,000 acres) and Palur–Huma (2,500 acres), forming a consolidated land bank for large-scale development.
Highlighting the region’s potential, the MP described it as a “10 km miracle,” where four major modes of transport—deep-sea port, national highway (NH-16), railway connectivity, and airport—exist within close proximity. The corridor is centered around Gopalpur Airport and nearby coastal and industrial zones.
The proposal includes the establishment of an international shipbuilding hub at Palur, revival of maritime trade, and development of a Ganjam International Trade Center to boost global commerce and employment. A key component is the demand for an AIIMS-level healthcare institution in Ganjam to cater to over 40 lakh people in the region.
According to the proposal, the project aims to drive industrialization, reduce migration, and generate large-scale employment opportunities across southern Odisha. It also aligns with the broader vision of “Viksit Bharat,” positioning Ganjam as a future economic engine.
Speaking on the initiative, Dr. Panigrahy stated, “Nature has given Ganjam a unique advantage where all four modes of transport meet. Our goal is to convert this into the Engine Room of Viksit Bharat.”
The proposal is expected to gain attention at the national level as it integrates infrastructure, industry, healthcare, and trade into a single development framework.
