Odisha to Build ‘New City’ in Capital Region

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Wednesday approved five major proposals, including the in-principle nod for the “New City Development Scheme,” which seeks to build a modern, inclusive urban hub within the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area (BDPA).

The project, spread over nearly 800 acres across Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur mauzas, has been envisioned as a multi-economic growth zone aligned with the state’s long-term development roadmap, *Vikshit Odisha 2036*.

According to the official press release, the New City will focus on “Housing for All” with options catering to all income groups, alongside state-of-the-art infrastructure. Key features will include MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, innovation-based hubs, data centres, forest parks, gateway plazas, and ample public open spaces to promote community engagement.

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) has been designated as the nodal agency. In January, BDA signed an MoU with a private firm in the presence of the President of Singapore and the Odisha Chief Minister to provide consultancy services and advisory support for the master plan.

Full-scale implementation is expected to draw an investment of ₹8,179 crore over the next 15 years through a mix of public and private funding. For the first five years (2025–26 to 2029–30), the state has proposed an allocation of ₹1,342 crore for land acquisition, roads, core infrastructure, and public amenities.

In another important decision, the Cabinet approved amendments to the Odisha Panchayat Samiti Accounting Procedure Rules, 2002. The move is aimed at expediting grassroots development and enhancing the financial powers of officers to ensure timely sanctioning and execution of projects.