CM Mohan Majhi Reviews New Odisha Bhawan Project in Delhi

7-storey building to showcase state’s culture; plans for expansion in other cities

Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has reviewed the ongoing construction of the new Odisha Bhawan in New Delhi and instructed officials to accelerate the pace of work to ensure early completion. Located in the Chanakyapuri diplomatic enclave, the building is envisioned as a modern yet culturally rooted hub for Odias residing in or visiting the national capital.

The new Odisha Bhawan will be a seven-storey structure spread over 4,761 sq. m., designed to reflect the rich cultural heritage of the state. It will house 45 rooms and suites, along with a modern conference hall capable of hosting high-level official meetings and cultural events.

To highlight Odisha’s legacy, the building will incorporate traditional stone craftsmanship, motifs inspired by temples and art forms, and the iconic Sambalpuri ikat in its interiors. Officials said the project is not only an accommodation facility but also a cultural showcase for Odisha, presenting the state’s distinct identity to visitors from across India and abroad.

During the review, Chief Minister Majhi emphasized the importance of expanding the Odisha Bhawan network to better serve the needs of the state’s citizens in different parts of the country. He pointed out the pressing requirement for additional rooms at the Odisha Bhawan in Mumbai, given the increasing number of cancer patients and their families who travel there for treatment.

In addition, the Chief Minister proposed establishing new Odisha Bhawans in Ayodhya, Hyderabad, and Surat. Ayodhya has been included keeping in mind the rising number of pilgrims expected after the consecration of the Ram Temple, while Hyderabad and Surat were identified due to the presence of significant Odia diaspora communities in these cities. These new facilities, he said, would provide accommodation and cultural spaces for Odias while also strengthening the state’s presence in key urban centers.

Majhi also directed the renovation and modernization of Utkal Bhawan in Kolkata. The Chief Minister said that the facility, which has been serving Odias in eastern India for years, requires infrastructural upgrades to meet modern standards. Renovation plans will include improved accommodation facilities, upgraded dining services, and better cultural spaces to make it more welcoming for guests.

The new Odisha Bhawan in Delhi is expected to serve multiple purposes. Beyond offering lodging for government officials, delegates, students, and patients, it will also function as a cultural and administrative hub for the Odia community in the national capital. By integrating traditional art and design elements, the Bhawan will act as a symbolic representation of Odisha’s identity, helping to promote tourism, culture, and trade.

Officials said the facility will also support government outreach programs, host conferences, and provide logistical support for delegations visiting Delhi. “This will not just be a guest house but a centre of pride for every Odia,” a senior official involved in the project said.

Chief Minister Majhi underscored that the Odisha Bhawans play an important role in connecting the state with its people spread across India. “Our aim is to ensure that wherever Odias go, they feel at home. These Bhawans are not only about accommodation but also about identity, dignity, and cultural belonging,” he remarked during the review meeting.

With the Delhi project nearing completion and expansion plans in the pipeline, the Odisha government hopes to strengthen cultural linkages, support citizens in need, and project a strong image of the state at the national level.

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