Odisha Speeds Up New City Master Plan for Bhubaneswar with Singapore Firm

The Odisha government has taken steps towards expeditious completion of the mega New City master plan on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar in joint coordination of State’s urban development agencies and Surbana Jurong Infrastructure PTE Limited, a Singaporean infra company, officials said today.

It’s pertinent to note here that a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed on January 17 last year between the Bhubaneswar Development Authority and Surbana Jurong Infrastructure PTE Limited, during the State Visit of the President of Singapore to India.

The draft scope of services for preparation of the New City Master Plan was finalised. The proposal for development of the New City over an area of approximately 800 acres, covering Mouza Gothapatna, Malipada and Daspur within the Bhubaneswar Development Plan Area (BDPA), has already been approved by the State Cabinet in its meeting held on September 10 last year.

A virtual meeting was held yesterday under the chairmanship of Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Odisha, with representatives of Singaporean company, to deliberate on and finalise the draft scope of services for preparation of the Master Plan of the proposed New City in Bhubaneswar.

The meeting held in Kharabela Bhawan was attended by Chanchal Rana, Vice-Chairman, Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Satrughna Kar, Additional Secretary, H&UD Department, along with other senior officers of the H&UD Department and BDA.

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, 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.

The housing and urban development Secretary Padhee further 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 its importance for planned, sustainable and future-ready urban development of Bhubaneswar.