Odisha Speeds Up New City Master Plan, Finalises Scope of Services with Surbana Jurong

What Happened

On January 2, 2026, Housing and Urban Development Secretary Usha Padhee held a virtual meeting with Surbana Jurong Infrastructure PTE Ltd. to finalise the draft scope of services for the Master Plan of the proposed New City in Bhubaneswar. The meeting was attended by BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana, H&UD Additional Secretary Satrughna Kar, and other senior officers from the H&UD Department and BDA.

Following detailed discussions, the draft scope of services for preparation of the New City Master Plan was finalised. This represents a significant acceleration of the project planning phase after an MoU was signed on January 17, 2025, between the Bhubaneswar Development Authority and Surbana Jurong Infrastructure PTE Ltd., during the State Visit of the President of Singapore to India.

Decision and Approval

The project proposal for development of the New City over approximately 800 acres, covering Mouza Gothapatna, Malipada and Daspur within the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area (BDPA), was already approved by the State Cabinet in its meeting held on September 10, 2025. The January 2026 meeting focused on operationalising that approval by defining the consultant's scope of work.

Secretary Padhee advised the Bhubaneswar Development Authority to ensure close coordination with all stakeholders and adhere to timelines for early completion of the New City Master Plan, underscoring the government's intent to accelerate the project's planning and implementation phases.

Scope of Services

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, outlining the overall spatial and development structure of the city. Detailed design guidelines will be provided for developable areas, focus areas, catalytic projects, city centre, anchor developments and public spaces, along with schematic guidelines for forest and other non-developable areas, to ensure a cohesive and well-integrated master plan.

Project Vision and Design Principles

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. 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. The project will incorporate smart and green infrastructure solutions aimed at improving climate resilience, environmental sustainability, and overall quality of life.

Investment and Budget

The project, with an approved outlay of approximately INR 8,179 crore, aims to accommodate urban expansion, provide affordable housing across income groups, and integrate commercial, residential, and institutional zones. An initial allocation of ₹1,342 crore has been proposed from the State budget for the first five years (2025-26 to 2029-30), which will be utilised for land acquisition, road construction, core utility infrastructure, public amenities, and administrative contingencies.

What Comes Next

The Detailed Project Report (DPR) is expected to be completed within nine months. More stakeholder consultations involving local representatives and sectors such as hospitality, real estate, and transport will be conducted in the coming months.

The master plan is being prepared by Surbana Jurong Infrastructure Private Ltd, Singapore, while a market feasibility study for the ambitious urban development project has already been conducted with the assistance of global consultancy firm JLL. Once completed, the Bhubaneswar New City is expected to guide the structured expansion of State Capital, control unplanned urban growth, and strengthen infrastructure.