Odisha is preparing for a major leap in urban development with the state cabinet’s approval of the Bhubaneswar New City Development Scheme. Planned as an 800-acre township under the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area, the project is set to transform the capital’s urban landscape over the next 15 years.
What’s New in the Project
- Scale and Location: The township will span Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur, covering 800 acres.
- Investment: A projected outlay of ₹8,179 crore spread across 15 years.
- Urban Design: Conceived as a transit-oriented, mixed-use township, integrating residential, commercial, and recreational spaces.
- Housing Mix: Provisions for all income groups, ensuring inclusivity in growth.
- MICE Infrastructure: Dedicated facilities for Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions (MICE), placing Bhubaneswar on the national events map.
- Green & Public Spaces: Focus on sustainability and liveability.
The Housing and Urban Development Department and the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) have already unveiled revised plans this month. An MoU with Singapore-based Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pvt Ltd brings global urban planning expertise into the fold.
Why the New City is Needed
Bhubaneswar’s rapid growth means the city is projected to house over 2 million people by 2036. The New City is designed to:
- Decongest the core city by creating a well-planned satellite township.
- Integrate work, housing, and recreation into one ecosystem.
- Enhance public transit access and reduce dependency on private transport.
- Promote eco-friendly practices through sustainable design.
Officials emphasize that the development will follow a work-live-recreate model, aligning with modern global trends in urban design.
Funding and Phasing
- Total Outlay: ₹8,179 crore over 15 years.
- Phase 1 (2025–30): ₹1,312–₹1,342 crore earmarked from the state budget to fund land acquisition, trunk roads, utilities, and core amenities.
- Subsequent Phases (2030–40): A mix of private investment, central government grants under the Urban Challenge Fund, and potential multilateral loans (ADB and others) are expected to fuel expansion.
Immediate Impact
In the short term, the focus will be on land acquisition and core infrastructure. This sets the stage for:
- A construction pipeline that will boost local employment.
- Stronger real-estate activity with mixed-use projects.
- Positioning Bhubaneswar as a hub for MICE and business activity.
Global Collaboration
The involvement of Surbana Jurong, with its track record in Asian mega-projects, ensures the New City will incorporate international best practices in sustainability, transit design, and urban inclusivity.
Looking Ahead
The Bhubaneswar New City represents more than just urban expansion—it is a vision to redefine how Odisha’s capital grows. By blending world-class planning, inclusive housing, and sustainable infrastructure, the state is positioning Bhubaneswar to emerge as a model for modern Indian urban development.
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