Bhubaneswar: The Housing and Urban Development Department, Government of Odisha, on Thursday inaugurated a modern canteen named ‘Srujan’ at Kharavela Bhawan, aimed at enhancing workplace facilities for government employees and visitors. The canteen, located on the first floor of the building, is being operated by the Indian Railway Catering and Tourism Corporation (IRCTC).
The facility was formally inaugurated by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, who said the initiative would benefit over 700 employees working across various departments housed in Kharavela Bhawan. He added that the canteen would also serve citizens visiting the building for official purposes, particularly in view of the limited food and service facilities in the surrounding area.
Dr. Mahapatra noted that the canteen has been designed to provide hygienic and affordable food services, while also offering train and air ticket booking facilities, along with tourist information and guidance, making it a comprehensive service centre for both employees and visitors. He expressed confidence that food quality, hygiene and cleanliness would be maintained at the highest standards.
Principal Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, said the canteen has been developed to cater to the needs of all departments functioning within Kharavela Bhawan. She also briefed those present on the operational framework and facilities available at the newly inaugurated canteen.
Recalling earlier initiatives, it was noted that in March this year, the state government designated the Housing and Urban Development Department as the nodal department for the maintenance and management of Kharavela Bhawan, issuing necessary directions in this regard. As part of this ongoing effort to improve employee welfare and infrastructure, a creche facility was recently inaugurated at the building by Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida, followed by the launch of the ‘Srujan’ canteen and lounge by Dr. Mahapatra.
Senior officials present on the occasion included Municipal Director Arindam Dakua, IRCTC South Central Zone GGM Rajkumar, Bhubaneswar Regional Manager Anuj Dutt, DGM Catering Services Shri Vikram Verma, along with other departmental officers.
