BDA Reviews New City and Town Centre Progress; Expresses Satisfaction on Both Greenfield and Urban Hub Initiatives

The Meeting and Authority Approval

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority held its 152nd Authority Meeting on August 1, 2026, chaired by Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra. The meeting was attended by BMC Mayor Sulochana Das, Jatni Municipality Chairman Ananta Behera, Housing & Urban Development Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, BDA Vice Chairman Chanchal Rana and other senior officials.

The Authority reviewed the progress of the proposed New City and the proposed Bhubaneswar Town Centre (BTC) project, and expressed satisfaction over progress of both projects. However, the meeting minutes disclosed no new specific milestones, contractual decisions, or budget revisions for the New City initiative.

The New City Project: Scope and Current Stage

The New City Development scheme will cover nearly 800 acres of land across Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur, envisioned as a multi-economic growth zone aligned with Odisha's long-term vision Vikshit Odisha 2036. The ambitious project spans over nearly 800 acres across the mouzas of Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur, and is envisioned as a multi-economic growth zone aligned with Odisha's long-term development vision, Bikashita Odisha 2036.

A major milestone in the initiative came with the signing of an MOU between BDA and Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Pvt Ltd (SJI), Singapore, on January 17, 2025, in the presence of the President of Singapore and the Chief Minister of Odisha. SJI will provide consultancy and advisory support for master planning and urban infrastructure development in the greenfield township. 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 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, outlining the overall spatial and development structure of the city.

Master Plan Features and Development Approach

The new city will be developed as a transit-oriented township, with focus on efficient public transport, reduced travel distances, and seamless access to a well-integrated mix of land uses. It will ensure 'Housing for All' by offering diverse housing options for all income groups based on affordability and necessity.

The proposed township will boast state-of-the-art infrastructure, including MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, Exhibitions) facilities, innovation hubs, plug-and-play infrastructure, and data management centers. Smart and green infrastructure solutions will be integrated into the township to ensure sustainable urban living, better resource efficiency, and improved quality of life.

Investment and Timeline

The project entails an estimated investment of Rs 8,179 crore over 15 years, combining public and private funding. The township is anticipated to accommodate the projected population of over 2 million by the year 2036.

For the initial phase, covering the years 2025–26 to 2029–30, the government has allocated ₹1,312 crore from the state budget.

Broader Urban Development Approvals at the Same Meeting

While reviewing the New City, the Authority also approved several other major projects for Bhubaneswar on August 1, 2026. The BDA cleared the launch of its much-awaited Ekamra Residency housing project, spread over 7.36 acres at Subudhipur, featuring three B+G+12 towers with two-bedroom and three-bedroom apartments.

The Authority gave nod for the construction of a 10 KLD Sewage Treatment Plant (STP) at Drain No. 4 near Vani Vihar on a pilot basis to improve wastewater management and environmental sustainability. The BDA also approved construction of a shaded cycle track and footpath along the Left Parallel Road from Ekamra Kanan Junction to Hatiasuni. The meeting further approved the redevelopment of the Priyadarshini Market Complex at CRP Square, one of the city's prominent commercial centres developed by the BDA.

Town Planning Schemes Notified

The Authority approved the Declaration of Intention for Town Planning Scheme Nos. 5, 6 & 7, covering the villages of Malipada and Daspur, and Town Planning Scheme Nos. 42, 43, 44 & 45, covering the villages of Bijipur, Baliapada, Kasipur, Bhagabanpur and Patrapada. These schemes relate to the broader urban expansion of Bhubaneswar's jurisdiction and planning area.

What Is Next

The New City project remains in the master planning stage. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is under preparation and is expected to be submitted within the next two months. Following approval of the DPR and master plan by the state government, the focus will shift to land acquisition, infrastructure development, and phased implementation. The August 1, 2026 review indicates steady progress but underscores that major development milestones—including contractor finalisation, detailed design approval, and construction timelines—remain pending government and Authority clearance.