BDA Formally Signs Agreement with Surbana Jurong for Bhubaneswar New City Master Plan

What was decided

On 31 March 2026, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) signed a formal agreement with Singapore's Surbana Jurong for the preparation of a comprehensive master plan for a proposed New City in Bhubaneswar.

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) on Tuesday signed an agreement with Singapore's Surbana Jurong for the preparation of a comprehensive master plan for a proposed New City in Bhubaneswar. The ambitious project will span around 800 acres across the mouzas of Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur, and is envisioned as a multi-economic growth zone aligned with the state's long-term development roadmap, "Vikshit Odisha 2036."

The agreement was signed by BDA Secretary Manas Ranjan Padhi and Surbana Jurong's Deputy Director Manideep Dutta in the presence of senior officials, including Deputy Commissioner and Nodal Officer (New City) Bhabataran Sahu, Associate Town Planner Omkar Mohanty, Assistant Town Planner Manasi Mohanty, and PMU Team Leader Ajay Jha.

Background: how the decision was reached

The March 2026 signing was the latest step in a sequence of formal government actions rather than a standalone announcement:

• 17 January 2025: A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BDA and Singapore's Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (SJIPL), in the presence of Singapore's President and Odisha's Chief Minister, setting up cooperation on master planning.
• 10 September 2025: The Odisha Cabinet, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, approved the ambitious 'New City Development' scheme for Bhubaneswar. The decision was taken at the 26th meeting of the Cabinet held at Lok Seva Bhawan. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja said the proposed new city will be developed over nearly 800 acres within the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area (BDPA), covering Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur mouzas.
• 2-3 January 2026: Housing and Urban Development Secretary Usha Padhee held a virtual meeting with representatives of Surbana Jurong Infrastructure PTE Ltd., Singapore, to deliberate on and finalise the draft scope of services for preparation of the Master Plan. As per the agreed scope, Surbana Jurong will undertake projectisation of the New City Master Plan, identifying priority projects across short-, medium- and long-term horizons, with defined objectives, scope, timelines and schematic urban design. The firm will also provide technical handholding and support for preparation of Detailed Project Reports (DPRs). The scope further includes preparation of a comprehensive Urban Design Framework and Guidelines.
• 31 March 2026: The formal agreement covered in this record was signed, moving the project from scoping to contracted master-plan preparation.

Operative details: money, area, roles

Area and location. The Odisha Cabinet approved the New City Development scheme, aimed at creating a modern and inclusive urban hub within the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area (BDPA). The project will cover nearly 800 acres of land across Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur.

Investment scale. The project entails an estimated investment of Rs 8,179 crore over 15 years, combining public and private funding. The state government will allocate Rs 1,342 crore in the next five years (2025-26 financial year to 2029-30 fiscal). The funds will be utilized for land acquisition, road construction, core utility infrastructure, public amenities and administrative contingencies.

Roles. BDA has been designated as the nodal agency for its implementation. Surbana Jurong is the master-plan consultant under the agreement.

Planning intent and design themes

The proposed New City will be developed as a transit-oriented urban hub, emphasizing efficient public transport systems, reduced travel time, and seamless integration of mixed land use. A key focus will be on ensuring "Housing for All" through diverse and affordable housing options catering to all income groups. BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana said the city will feature state-of-the-art infrastructure, including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) facilities, plug-and-play innovation hubs, and advanced data management centers.

The project will also incorporate smart and green infrastructure solutions to boost climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life.

Practical effect

Once completed, the New City is expected to guide the planned expansion of Bhubaneswar, curb unregulated urban sprawl, and strengthen infrastructure. It is also projected to generate employment opportunities, attract investments, and promote inclusive growth by ensuring access to affordable housing and essential community facilities for all sections of society.

The agreement itself does not create built infrastructure or transfer land; it authorises Surbana Jurong to produce the master plan, urban design framework, and supporting Detailed Project Reports that will define zoning, road networks and phasing for subsequent statutory notification and construction stages.

Status update (as of July 2026)

As of late May 2026, planning had moved into public consultation. A major step has been taken toward shaping Bhubaneswar's urban future with the launch of stakeholder consultations for the proposed New City master plan. The meeting, held on Friday at Kharvel Bhavan, was chaired by Usha Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department. The master plan, being prepared by Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Private Ltd (Singapore), follows a market feasibility study conducted in collaboration with global consultancy JLL.

BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana informed that more stakeholder consultations involving local representatives and sectors such as hospitality, real estate, and transport would be conducted in the coming months. He added that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected to be completed within nine months. No RERA registration, land-acquisition notification, or final master plan had been reported as of this writing.