Bhubaneswar's New City Project Gets Cabinet Nod

Bhubaneswar: State cabinet meeting, chaired by chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi, on Wednesday granted in-principle approval to the much-anticipated project to develop a ‘New City’ on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.Chief secretary Manoj Ahuja said the proposed city will be developed within the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area (BDPA), spanning around 800 acres across Gothapatna, Malipada and Daspur. Envisioned as a multi-economic growth zone, the project aligns with the state’s long-term vision, Viksit Odisha 2036.The total projected investment will be Rs 8,179 crore over the next 15 years, combining public and private funding.

An initial allocation of Rs 1,342 crore was proposed in the state budget for the first five years (2025-26 to 2029-30), earmarked for land acquisition, road construction, core utilities, public amenities and administrative contingencies.Designed as a transit-oriented development, the ‘New City’ will prioritise efficient public transport, reduced travel distances and seamless integration of residential, commercial, and institutional land uses.

The plan includes provisions for ‘Housing for All’, offering diverse and affordable housing options across income groups.According to a govt statement, the city will feature cutting-edge infrastructure such as MICE (meetings, incentives, conferences and exhibitions) facilities, plug-and-play innovation hubs and data management centres. Emphasis will be placed on creative placemaking, with central forest parks, gateway plazas and expansive public spaces to foster community engagement and social well-being.Smart and green infrastructure solutions will be embedded to enhance climate resilience and environmental sustainability. Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has been designated as the nodal agency for implementation, with the project currently in early planning and execution stages.On Jan 17, BDA signed an MoU with Singapore-based Surbana Jurong Infrastructure (SJI) Pvt Ltd, which will provide consultancy services for master planning and urban infrastructure advisory.Ahead of the meeting, the CM released a compilation of key decisions from the last 25 cabinet sessions, highlighting 149 resolutions across 34 departments.