Odisha Begins Master Planning For Proposed New City In Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Government on Friday held a high-level stakeholder consultation to begin preparation of the master plan for the proposed New City project in Bhubaneswar, envisioned as a future-ready urban centre focused on sustainable growth, economic expansion and integrated infrastructure development.

The meeting, chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department Usha Padhee at Kharvel Bhavan, discussed the broad framework, planning priorities and implementation approach for the ambitious urban project proposed within the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area (BDPA).

Officials informed that Singapore-based Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Private Ltd (SJI) has been engaged to prepare the master plan, while international consultancy firm JLL has already completed a market feasibility study for the proposed city.

Representatives from various government departments including Forest, Works, Industries and Information Technology participated in the consultation along with Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana and officials from SJI and JLL.

The New City project, which received in-principle approval from the Odisha Cabinet in September 2025, is proposed to be developed over nearly 800 acres covering Gothapatna, Malipada and Daspur mouzas on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar.

According to officials, the project has been planned as a multi-economic growth zone aligned with Odisha’s “Vikshit Odisha 2036” vision and is expected to emerge as a major urban and investment hub in the capital region.

During the meeting, Padhee stressed the importance of creating a transit-oriented and environmentally sustainable urban ecosystem with integrated land use, efficient mobility systems and inclusive housing infrastructure.

She said the proposed city would focus on reducing travel distances, improving public transportation and creating urban spaces that support both economic activity and quality of life.

The project is proposed to include modern infrastructure facilities such as MICE centres, innovation and technology hubs, plug-and-play commercial spaces, data centres, large public plazas and central forest parks aimed at promoting sustainable urban living and community engagement.

Officials said the project would also prioritise smart infrastructure, green development and public utility systems to support long-term urban expansion in and around Bhubaneswar.

BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana said additional consultations would be held with local stakeholders and sectors including hospitality, transport and real estate to incorporate wider feedback into the planning process.

He further informed that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the New City project is expected to be finalised within the next nine months.