The Blueprint for Achieving Vision 2030

Bhubaneswar -Cuttack Urban Complex (BCUC) with an area of 738.43 sq. km is at present accommodating a population of about 15.07 lakh. BCUC is predominantly urban in nature with 89.06% of the total population residing in 41.67% of the area. Analysis of the population growth dynamics along with appraisal of its future potential indicates an addition of another 26.63 lakh population by 2030.

In order to achieve Vision 2030 for this region, the Government must decide on the eight core sectors as high priority initiatives. The first six initiatives lay down high level solutions to bridge the gap between BCUC today and where it needs to be by 2030 and the last two initiatives are critical to making implementation happen on the ground.

I. Boost economic growth to 10-12 percent per annum

To become a vibrant, world class city, this region needs to grow over what it achieved in the last five years. It must therefore focus on four thrust areas:
(a)Target four high-end services i.e. financial services, healthcare, IT/ITES (IT enabled services) and media/entertainmen /telecom.
(b)Create jobs in three low-end service sectors i.e. construction, hotels/tourism /recreation and modern format retail.
(c)Convert the hinterland into a handicraft/ building material manufacturing and logistic hub.
(d)Adjust tax rates to make BCUC a consumption centre.
II. Improve and expand mass and private transport infrastructure

In order to remove significant level of disparity within the BCUC region in terms of accessibility, the passenger transit options, capacity of transport network needs thorough improvement to cater for future growth.
Specifically, three key initiatives are recommended over the next 8-10 years to reach its transport aspiration:
(a)Inner LRTS between Nirgundi and Jatani area.
(b)Inner freeway linking future airport with Choudwar via New Barang.
(c)Tactical initiatives to optimize the current rail and road network.
III. Increase housing availability and affordability

BCUC’s real estate problems are both sporadic and complex. The problems encompass both sides of the income spectrum. To achieve its aspiration it is, therefore, imperative that the Government should undertakes following five initiatives:
(a)Increase land availability by increasing FAB to an average of 1.5-2 in as many planning zones as possible
(b)Create 35,000 low income houses to rehabilitate existing slum dwellers by re-designing the slum rehabilitation process.
(c)Build 1, 40,000 additional low-income housing units by creating "Special Housing Zones" through targeted incentives.
(d)Create islands of excellence through integrated development.
(e)Redevelop the intensive zones block-by-block.
IV. Upgrade utilities and services

Integrated urban water management has become instrumental towards economic development, social balance and ecological integrity. The various elements of physical infrastructure like water supply, wastewater, drainage and solid waste management of BCUC needto be efficiently improved. The followings are proposed suggestions in this direction:
(a)Assure full water supply coverage in the whole BCUC area.
(b)Assure a systematic collection and management of waste water with setting up of STPs.
(c)Upgrade storm water drainage facilities.
(d)Create more viable options for disposing of solid waste and bio-medical waste.
V. Augment social infrastructure facilities
(a)Education facilities in this region can be improved by launching following three initiatives:
(i) Expediting the release of land to set up higher order learning centres.
(ii) Adoption of municipal schools by NGO's and communities to reduce drop out rates.
(ii) Setting up both quality and quantity of vocational training facilities especially around new ITES, airport etc.
(b)Improvement in healthcare services could be well handled through proper utilization of primary health care facilities and encouraging public-private partnership in large hospitals.
VI. Revival of cultural heritage and boost in tourism

The most important challenge is to rediscover the significance of heritage resources of the region and integrate those in future vision. To achieve its aspiration it is, therefore, imperative that the Government undertakes the following initiatives:
(a)Introduce new tourist travel circuits linking important festivals and events in the main stream of development.
(b)Suggest adaptive use for potential but underutilized heritage/ heritage structures and precincts.
(c)Boost adventure tourism along with religious tourism and nature based tourism.
(d)Create adequate infrastructure like accommodation, parking, and services to attract international tourists.
(e)Set up a Heritage Committee to integrate all heritages related activities.
(f)Implement Heritage Regulations to safeguard both tangible and intangible heritage resources.
(g)Provide measures (fiscal and legal) for management of heritage sites and resources.
VII. Raise adequate financing

Government has a variety of sources at its disposal, which are more than adequate to generate a revolving fund for the BCUC infrastructure Fund. These sources can be grouped into three streams:
(a)Increase in user charges and collection efficiency.
(b)Improvement in the Development Authority's and Municipalities own efficiency.
(c)Better utilization of Govt. Land assets in an around BCUC.
VIII. Make governance more effective, efficient and responsive
A huge improvement is needed in all aspects of governance in BCUC region. Govt. will need to focus on three main areas:
(a)Create a single co-ordination body led by the Chief Minister
(b)Streamline key processes by redesigning the building approval process
(c)Using IT interventions at all levels of Government interaction.

The eight initiatives, if implemented, will restore the lost luster of the region. This perspective Plan would act as a tool for leadership with a roadmap for the future. It aims at framing detail strategies for resource allocation, phasing of development, and identifying institutional mechanism for managing future development in a sustainable manner