Odisha Government Initiates Groundwork for Massive Administrative Campus
In a significant infrastructure development, the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation (OBCC) Ltd has officially commenced the process to establish a new central secretariat and legislative assembly complex. This ambitious project will occupy an expansive 71-acre plot adjacent to the existing Lok Seva Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
Call for Master Planning and Detailed Project Report
The OBCC issued an expression of interest on Tuesday, inviting reputable consulting firms to submit proposals for creating the master plan and preparing the detailed project report. The corporation aims to finalize the selected firm by the end of this month, having already outlined comprehensive specifications for this mega undertaking.
Consolidating Government Operations
According to the project blueprint, the new central secretariat complex will consolidate all 40 government departments currently operating from dispersed locations including Lok Seva Bhawan, Kharvela Bhawan, and various individual office spaces. This strategic consolidation aims to significantly enhance governance efficiency by bringing all administrative functions under one unified roof.
Modern Assembly Building with Future Expansion
For the legislative assembly component, the government plans to first retrofit and remodel the existing complex to accommodate 200 members. This expansion anticipates the delimitation process following the 2026 census. The retrofitting design will incorporate flexibility for future redevelopment, allowing capacity to increase to 300 members as needed.
Chief Minister's Vision and Project Timeline
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi laid the foundation stone for this transformative project in January, emphasizing that scattered departmental operations across multiple buildings and floors have created substantial operational inefficiencies. He stressed the urgent need for a well-planned, integrated administrative campus.
The government has allocated Rs 3,623 crore for this comprehensive infrastructure initiative and established an ambitious two-year completion deadline.
Project Objectives and Design Philosophy
The expression of interest document clearly states the project's dual purpose: "to create a next-generation administrative campus and a new assembly building that represents Odisha's cultural ethos while supporting contemporary working methods." The design aims to promote institutional connectivity and operational efficiency through thoughtful planning.
Comprehensive Facility Planning
The new secretariat will feature:
- Ministerial and departmental offices
- Cabinet conference facilities
- Citizen-centric service areas
- Records, archives, and data management facilities
The assembly building will include:
- Legislative assembly hall
- Speaker's and deputy speaker's offices
- Members' lounges and chambers
- Public galleries and visitor facilities
Strategic Zoning and Security Design
The integrated secretariat and assembly complex will implement clear zoning distinctions:
- Public areas for citizen access
- Semi-restricted zones for authorized personnel
- Restricted areas for sensitive operations
- High-security zones for protected functions
The design will ensure proper segregation between executive and legislative functions while maintaining strategic connectivity. A secure movement system will be implemented for ministers, MLAs, officials, and staff.
Technology-Driven Infrastructure
Smart technology integration forms the core of this project's modernization approach. Key technological components will include:
- Advanced ICT backbone and secure data networks
- Dedicated data center and digital command facilities
- E-assembly infrastructure for digital governance
- Intelligent Building Management System (BMS)
- Integrated surveillance and cybersecurity measures
- Comprehensive access control systems
This technological foundation will ensure the campus operates with maximum efficiency, security, and adaptability to future digital governance requirements.
