10th September 2025, Bhubaneswar, Odisha: In a major push towards planned urban expansion, the Odisha government has partnered with Singapore-based infrastructure consultancy firm Surbana Jurong to design the Bhubaneswar New City Project, a modern township planned across 800 acres in the Daspur and Gothapatana mouzas of the capital.
The announcement was made by Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra during the 43rd Foundation Day celebration of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA). The minister highlighted the importance of strategic urban development to manage the city’s fast-paced growth and enhance its livability.
An Ambitious Urban Vision
The proposed New City is being envisioned as a modern, mixed-use urban hub with a total built-up area of 21.7 million square feet. This includes:
- 10.45 million sq ft of residential space
- 3.10 million sq ft of office space
- 1 million sq ft dedicated to retail commerce
- 2.40 million sq ft for MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) infrastructure
- 2.30 million sq ft of industrial zones
- 2.35 million sq ft of neighborhood shopping and amenities
Once completed, the New City is expected to accommodate up to 15,000 housing units and provide space for a population of nearly 60,000 residents.
Global Expertise for Local Transformation
The master plan, being developed by Surbana Jurong—a global urban, infrastructure, and managed services consultancy owned by the Singapore government—will integrate global best practices in sustainable design, smart infrastructure, and inclusive urban planning.
To ensure economic viability and future-proof planning, a market feasibility study was conducted by international real estate firm JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle). This strategic collaboration aims to lay a strong foundation for a world-class city that balances residential needs with economic and industrial growth.
Seeking Central Support
The state government plans to present the concept to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA), seeking support and financial assistance under the Urban Challenge Fund—a central scheme designed to promote innovative urban development initiatives.
Bhubaneswar has witnessed rapid urban growth over the past two decades, evolving into a hub for IT, education, healthcare, and tourism. However, this growth has also created challenges in terms of housing, traffic congestion, and infrastructure strain. The New City project is designed to ease the pressure on existing urban areas while offering a futuristic model of urban living.
By combining residential, commercial, industrial, and public infrastructure in a thoughtfully planned manner, the Bhubaneswar New City Project represents a bold step toward Odisha’s urban transformation agenda.