The transformation of Bhubaneswar into the capital city of Odisha under a modern planning vision led by German architect Otto Königsberger, focusing on organized urban design and future growth

Bhubaneswar, April 15: On April 13, 1948, Bhubaneswar was ceremonially established as the capital of Odisha. The city received the highest honor of becoming the state capital. However, Bhubaneswar was never the first choice for this role. It took nearly 15 years of administrative efforts for the city to finally earn this status.
In fact, even before the formation of a separate Odisha province, the search for a new capital had already begun. In 1933, the Odisha Administrative Committee proposed the Chauliaganj area in Cuttack as the site for the capital and formed the Dan Committee. However, due to several obstacles and challenges, this proposal was eventually dropped.
Over time, several locations—including Cuttack, Choudwar, Angul, and Khordha—were considered for establishing the new capital. Later, through joint efforts of the Odisha Government’s Planning Department and its advisory board, the area between Bhubaneswar and Mancheswar was identified as a suitable location.
At that time, the Prime Minister of Odisha (the term used then for the Chief Minister), Harekrushna Mahatab, submitted the report to the government. The British authorities felt that establishing the capital in Cuttack would not be convenient due to the presence of the Mahanadi and Kathajodi rivers on both sides. As a result, the Chauliaganj proposal was rejected.
After Odisha became a separate province in 1936, the process of selecting a new capital gained momentum again. The British government formed the Jones Committee, which consulted various groups regarding Rangailunda (between Berhampur and Gopalpur). However, another committee formed in 1937 rejected Rangailunda as well.
Finally, the government proposed Bhubaneswar as the capital. This proposal was unanimously accepted by the Council of Ministers and later by the State Legislative Assembly.
Bhubaneswar was chosen because it fulfilled all the necessary criteria for a capital city—such as a healthy environment and climate, natural beauty, rich historical heritage, art and architecture, good communication facilities, availability of land for construction, tourist attractions, and ample space for future expansion.
Thus, just seven months after India’s independence, on April 13, 1948, Jawaharlal Nehru laid the foundation stone of the new capital.