Chanchal Rana Takes Charge as 27th BDA Vice Chairman

Focus on integrated urban development and smart city transformation for Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar : Senior IAS officer Chanchal Rana officially took charge as the 27th Vice Chairman of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), marking the beginning of a new phase in the city’s urban governance and planning framework. On his first day in office, Rana held a detailed meeting with senior officials to review key developmental projects and outline strategic priorities for the capital’s future growth.

During the meeting, he called for a unified and collaborative approach to transform Bhubaneswar into a modern, smart, and clean city that reflects Odisha’s vision of inclusive and sustainable urban development. Emphasising the importance of efficient implementation and timely monitoring, Rana directed officials to identify priority areas requiring focused intervention in the coming months.

The review covered a broad range of ongoing urban development schemes under BDA’s jurisdiction, including infrastructure upgrades, housing projects, public amenities, and green space development. Rana underscored the need for synergy among different departments and agencies to ensure that developmental efforts yield visible and lasting results.

Officials present at the meeting, including BDA Secretary Manas Ranjan Padhi and other senior officers, reiterated their commitment to advancing the state government’s urban vision. Discussions also touched upon the need to strengthen transparency in project execution, accelerate approval processes, and promote citizen-friendly governance practices.

Rana’s assumption of office comes at a crucial juncture when Bhubaneswar is witnessing rapid urbanisation and expansion. The BDA’s mandate has expanded to include not only land use and infrastructure planning but also the integration of technology-driven systems for better urban management. His leadership is expected to bring renewed momentum to these initiatives.

Alongside his new role, Chanchal Rana will continue to serve as the Commissioner of Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) and the Managing Director of Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL). This convergence of responsibilities positions him at the helm of the city’s three major urban governance bodies—BDA, BMC, and BSCL—facilitating coordinated decision-making and seamless execution of projects across platforms.

Rana, known for his proactive administrative approach and emphasis on innovation, has previously held key assignments in various districts of Odisha. His experience in governance, infrastructure planning, and citizen-centric policy implementation is expected to drive a more cohesive urban development strategy for Bhubaneswar.

Speaking after assuming charge, Rana expressed his vision to make Bhubaneswar a model city that combines cultural heritage with modern infrastructure. He stressed on enhancing public spaces, improving mobility, strengthening waste management systems, and expanding green corridors. “Bhubaneswar’s growth must reflect both sustainability and inclusivity. Every initiative should contribute to improving the quality of life for citizens while preserving the city’s character,” he noted.

The Bhubaneswar Development Authority, established in 1983, has played a central role in shaping the city’s planned growth. Over the years, it has implemented landmark projects such as the Capital Region Master Plan, housing complexes, and urban infrastructure schemes under the Smart City Mission. With Rana’s appointment, the focus is expected to shift towards integrating these initiatives under a unified vision aligned with Odisha’s “Viksit Odisha @2036” roadmap.

As Bhubaneswar continues to evolve as a leading urban centre in eastern India, Rana’s leadership is anticipated to reinforce the city’s transformation into a resilient, technology-driven, and people-oriented metropolis—balancing progress with sustainability and long-term urban resilience.