Odisha Finalises Scope for New City Master Plan in Bhubaneswar with Singapore Firm

Bhubaneswar: Plans for the proposed New City in Bhubaneswar advanced further with a virtual meeting chaired by Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, to finalise the draft scope of services for preparation of its Master Plan. The discussions were held with representatives of Surbana Jurong Infrastructure PTE Ltd., Singapore, at Kharabela Bhawan.

The meeting was attended by Vice-Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) Chanchal Rana, Additional Secretary H&UD Department Satrughna Kar, and other senior officials of the department and BDA. During the deliberations, the Vice-Chairman, BDA, informed that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had been signed between BDA and Surbana Jurong on January 17, 2025, during the State Visit of the President of Singapore to India, to collaborate on the planning and development of the New City.

After detailed discussions, the draft scope of services for preparation of the New City Master Plan was finalised. The proposed New City will be developed over an area of around 800 acres, covering Mouza Gothapatna, Malipada and Daspur within the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area (BDPA). The State Cabinet had accorded approval to the project in its meeting held on September 10, 2025.

As per the agreed framework, Surbana Jurong will undertake projectisation of the New City Master Plan by identifying priority projects across short-, medium- and long-term timelines, with clearly defined objectives, scope, schedules and schematic urban designs. The firm will also provide technical handholding and support for the preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs).

The scope of work also includes preparation of a comprehensive Urban Design Framework and Design Guidelines defining the overall spatial structure of the city. Detailed guidelines will be framed for developable areas, focus zones, catalytic projects, the city centre, anchor developments and public spaces, along with schematic norms for forest and other non-developable areas to ensure a cohesive and integrated urban form.

Emphasising the importance of timely execution, Usha Padhee advised the Bhubaneswar Development Authority to ensure close coordination with all stakeholders and adhere to stipulated timelines for early completion of the Master Plan, underlining its significance for the planned, sustainable and future-ready growth of Bhubaneswar.