Bhubaneswar New City Project Gains Momentum with Surbana Jurong Engagement
Odisha govt eyes world-class, sustainable urban hub across 338 hectares
Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar’s urban landscape is set for a transformational leap as the proposed Bhubaneswar New City Project moved a step forward with key deliberations held today. Avinas Misra, Chief Executive of Surbana Jurong South Asia, along with Abhisek Malhotra, Regional Director of the company, met Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, at Kharavela Bhawan to discuss strategies for developing the ambitious project.
The meeting centred on urban infrastructure and managed services, with a special focus on how Surbana Jurong’s global expertise can be leveraged for Odisha’s new urban vision.
The Government of Odisha has earmarked 338.436 hectares of land for the project, envisioned as a model city that would redefine urban living in the state. Officials confirmed that the proposal will be presented to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) under the Urban Challenge Fund, enabling central-level support and recognition for the project.
According to officials, the new city will be developed with an emphasis on inclusivity, vibrancy, and resilience. It is designed not only to accommodate rapid urban growth but also to optimize land value while projecting Bhubaneswar as an internationally branded urban hub.
To ensure global standards in planning and execution, the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) is considering engaging international real estate consultancy JLL (Jones Lang LaSalle) for preparing the city’s master plan. The consultancy will recommend the most effective product mix for residential, commercial, and institutional development, balancing economic viability with sustainability.
The collaboration builds upon earlier efforts to strengthen Odisha-Singapore ties in urban development. During the visit of the President of Singapore to Bhubaneswar, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed between BDA and JLL, formalising their partnership in shaping the city’s master plan.
Principal Secretary Usha Padhee described the project as a landmark initiative for Odisha’s urban future. “The Bhubaneswar New City Project is a landmark step for Odisha to shape a world-class urban centre, reflecting inclusivity, sustainability, and resilience for future generations,” she said.
Officials added that the new city will focus on smart mobility, climate-resilient infrastructure, and green spaces while integrating digital governance solutions for efficient service delivery. The vision is to create a future-ready city that attracts investment, generates employment, and enhances quality of life for its residents.
The state government has emphasised that the project is not merely about urban expansion but about setting a benchmark for sustainable urbanisation. By incorporating international expertise from Surbana Jurong and JLL, the new city is expected to emerge as a model for balanced growth, where environmental responsibility and economic development go hand in hand.
The development will also serve as a showcase project under the state’s broader urban transformation agenda, strengthening Odisha’s position as a forward-looking destination for global investment.
With feasibility studies and concept planning in progress, the government aims to submit the proposal to MoHUA soon. Once approved under the Urban Challenge Fund, the project could secure central backing and set the stage for phased development over the coming years.
The Bhubaneswar New City Project stands as a bold step toward reimagining urban living in Odisha. By blending global expertise, sustainable practices, and forward-thinking governance, the initiative is poised to place Bhubaneswar firmly on the map of world-class cities.
