Urban design hub plan to transform cities in Odisha
The dedicated unit to be named Odisha Urban Design Hub (OUDH) will function under the Housing and Urban Development department and drive a structured, design-led approach to urban growth across the state.
The OUDH will play a central role in developing the existing and upcoming cities by bringing together expertise in urban design, planning, infrastructure, municipal finance, data analysis, and community engagement. It will develop a comprehensive framework for shaping cities that are both functional and liveable.
The state has witnessed urban expansion in recent years, particularly in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur and Sambalpur. While the earlier focus was on infrastructure upgrade, affordable housing and smart city initiatives, the current push will be towards a more cohesive and design-oriented urban strategy for future growth.
A senior officer of the department said, Odisha is known for its architectural legacy that reflects the state's cultural and historical depth. 'The hub will act as the backbone of Odisha's next-generation urban planning and design strategies. It will bring in aesthetics, inclusivity, sustainability, and livability into city spaces beyond infrastructure,' he said.
In the Budget 2025-26, the state government has already announced plans to establish a metropolitan development region of 7,000 sq km encompassing Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Jatni, Cuttack, Paradip and Puri. It will be developed into an integrated economic corridor, with a strong focus on logistics, tourism, and education.
While an outlay of `408 crore has been for the 'Samruddha Sahara' scheme, `200 crore has been allocated for the 'New City Development' scheme in Bhubaneswar and `1,100 crore under Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana (MSBY) for construction of civic amenities across all cities for creation of revenue generating infrastructures.
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New Indian Express
a day ago
- New Indian Express
Urban design hub plan to transform cities in Odisha
BHUBANESWAR: Amid rapid urban transformation driven by booming real-estate sector, the Odisha government has decided to set up an urban design hub to develop design standards, city-specific reforms and high-impact projects tailored for diverse city typologies. The dedicated unit to be named Odisha Urban Design Hub (OUDH) will function under the Housing and Urban Development department and drive a structured, design-led approach to urban growth across the state. The OUDH will play a central role in developing the existing and upcoming cities by bringing together expertise in urban design, planning, infrastructure, municipal finance, data analysis, and community engagement. It will develop a comprehensive framework for shaping cities that are both functional and liveable. The state has witnessed urban expansion in recent years, particularly in Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur and Sambalpur. While the earlier focus was on infrastructure upgrade, affordable housing and smart city initiatives, the current push will be towards a more cohesive and design-oriented urban strategy for future growth. A senior officer of the department said, Odisha is known for its architectural legacy that reflects the state's cultural and historical depth. 'The hub will act as the backbone of Odisha's next-generation urban planning and design strategies. It will bring in aesthetics, inclusivity, sustainability, and livability into city spaces beyond infrastructure,' he said. In the Budget 2025-26, the state government has already announced plans to establish a metropolitan development region of 7,000 sq km encompassing Bhubaneswar, Khurda, Jatni, Cuttack, Paradip and Puri. It will be developed into an integrated economic corridor, with a strong focus on logistics, tourism, and education. While an outlay of `408 crore has been for the 'Samruddha Sahara' scheme, `200 crore has been allocated for the 'New City Development' scheme in Bhubaneswar and `1,100 crore under Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana (MSBY) for construction of civic amenities across all cities for creation of revenue generating infrastructures.
New Indian Express
17-06-2025
- New Indian Express
DPRs submitted for comprehensive drainage system in Sambalpur city
SAMBALPUR: In a bid to mitigate the persistent waterlogging woes of people residing in low-lying areas of the city, the Sambalpur Municipal Corporation (SMC) has submitted a series of detailed project reports (DPRs) for a comprehensive drainage system which is awaiting final approval from the Housing and Urban Development department. The proposed drainage project involves preparation of a master plan and DPRs by Bhubaneswar-based Ecometrix Consultants Pvt Ltd at an estimated cost of Rs 2.46 crore. The project aims to provide a long-term solution to the city's recurring flooding and drainage woes, especially in low-lying wards. SMC commissioner Vedbhushan said a total of six DPRs have been forwarded to H&UD department so far. 'The department has shared its observations, basing on which we've revised the DPRs. The updated reports will be submitted by the end of this week. Once approved, the tendering process will begin.' The master plan envisages a robust storm water drainage system to mitigate floods, waterlogging and urban inundation. Key watercourses identified for development include Malti Jore, Harad Jore, Dhobi Jore, Tangara nullah, Mandalia nullah, Power Channel, and all primary, secondary and tertiary drains across the 41 municipal wards of Sambalpur city. As part of its groundwork, the Bhubaneswar-based agency conducted DGPS survey covering 353 sq km across all 41 wards - home to around 3.5 lakh residents. Ward-level feedback meetings were also held to map existing drainage bottlenecks and problems. While the implementation of the master plan will take time, the SMC is ramping up short-term measures to handle waterlogging issues in the current monsoon season. 'Missing drains are being constructed and narrow ones widened. Major drains have been desilted to ensure uninterrupted water flow. The situation will be better this year,' the commissioner added. Currently, localities like Sakhipara, Chandan Nagar, Charbhati, Mandalia, Binakhandi, Balibandha, Govindtola, Hirakud Colony, Housing Board Colony, Modipara and Kumbharpara - all situated in low-lying zones - suffer the most due to outdated and undersized drainage channels. Besides, the localities near Mahanadi river often grapple with flood-like situations caused by backwater from the dam. The new drainage system is expected to resolve these issues that have persisted for over two decades.
New Indian Express
10-06-2025
- New Indian Express
PMAY-U extended till the end of this year, to benefit 29K people
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