The Odisha Housing and Urban Development Department has taken a significant step forward in the ambitious Bhubaneswar New City project. On Friday, the department finalised the draft scope of services for the preparation of the master plan for the proposed satellite township.
Key Meeting Chaired by Principal Secretary
A crucial virtual meeting was held to finalise the draft, chaired by the department's Principal Secretary, Usha Padhee. The meeting saw participation from representatives of the Singapore-based consultancy firm, Surbana Jurong Infrastructure PTE Ltd, along with senior officials from the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) and other allied agencies involved in the project.
BDA Vice-Chairman Chanchal Rana provided important background, revealing that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BDA and the Singaporean consultant on January 17, 2025. This agreement was formalised during the state visit of the Singaporean President, marking a high-level collaboration for the planning and development of the New City.
Scope of Work and Project Details
The foundation for this project was laid earlier when the state cabinet approved the proposal to develop the township. The approval, granted on September 10, 2025, covers a vast area of 800 acres located in Gothapatna, Malipada, and Daspur, which fall under the Bhubaneswar development plan area.
As per the finalised draft scope, Surbana Jurong has been entrusted with a comprehensive set of responsibilities:
- Preparation of a complete master plan that includes projectisation of priority developments across short-, medium-, and long-term horizons.
- Providing technical support for creating detailed project reports (DPRs).
- Developing an urban design framework with specific guidelines for city structure, public spaces, catalytic projects, and anchor developments.
- Creating schematic guidelines for forest and non-developable areas to ensure integrated and sustainable growth.
Emphasis on Coordination and Timelines
During the meeting, Principal Secretary Usha Padhee underscored the critical importance of close coordination among all stakeholders. She stressed strict adherence to the established timelines to ensure the early completion of the master plan. Padhee highlighted that this plan is a cornerstone for Bhubaneswar's future, describing it as crucial for the city's planned and future-ready urban expansion.
The finalisation of the draft scope marks a pivotal transition from proposal to actionable planning. It sets the stage for Surbana Jurong to begin its detailed work, which will shape the blueprint for a modern, sustainable, and strategically developed extension of Odisha's capital city.
