State to Get New Secretariat and Assembly Buildings

State plans iconic secretariat and Assembly complex as part of a modern, future-ready capital

Bhubaneswar: Odisha is preparing for one of its biggest administrative infrastructure upgrades in decades, with the government approving plans for a state-of-the-art secretariat and a new Assembly complex. Beyond architectural grandeur, the project aims to bring transformative improvements to governance, efficiency, and Odisha’s growing profile as an investment-ready state.

Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi chaired a high-level meeting that granted in-principle approval for the two landmark structures, envisioned as symbols of a modern and confident Odisha. With outdated and scattered administrative setups currently slowing coordination between departments, the new infrastructure promises smoother decision-making and faster service delivery.

The new secretariat will draw inspiration from the Central Secretariat in New Delhi, offering each department a unified chamber, lobby, and conference hall—an upgrade expected to significantly improve administrative speed. Presently, ministers’ chambers in Lok Seva Bhawan are separated from their departments across multiple floors, creating logistical challenges and delays. The planned design addresses these gaps by bringing all functions under one operationally integrated space.

Spread across 71.13 acres, the redevelopment will unfold in two major phases. Phase I includes the construction of a 12-storey (3 basements + ground + 11 floors) secretariat-cum-Mantralaya near Kharvela Bhawan and the OSEPA campus. A substantial three-level underground parking plaza will be developed in front of Lok Seva Bhawan to ease congestion. A second 12-storey office building will rise between the Police Commissionerate and Nirman Soudha to accommodate departments shifting from the redevelopment zone.

Phase II will centre on constructing the new Odisha state Assembly—a modern legislature complex designed for efficiency, security, and public accessibility. The Assembly structure will include three basements, a ground floor, and a single-storey legislative hall. An annex secretariat (3B+G+9), a service building, and another multi-storey government office tower on the old Nirman Soudha campus will also be developed.

As part of preparatory work, several existing offices—including the ADM office, OSEPA, the directorate of geology, higher secondary education, and cyber complex—will be temporarily shifted. Departments have been directed to identify vacant government spaces or use rental buildings until the project is completed.

The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC) has been entrusted with preparing the detailed project report and cost estimates. Officials confirmed that Phase I construction will begin soon, while the new Assembly will become operational once the state receives approval to establish a Vidhan Parishad.

Complementing the administrative overhaul, the government has cleared additional projects aimed at enhancing hospitality and civic infrastructure in the capital. These include a special circuit house with over 200 accommodation units—ranging from single rooms to 2BHK suites—along with restaurants, recreation facilities, and office spaces. This facility is expected to support visiting officials, dignitaries, and delegates during major events.

In a major urban development push, the OMFED campus at OMFED Square will be transformed into a mega convention and hospitality centre capable of hosting nearly 10,000 attendees. The hub will include three-star hotels, meeting halls, and exhibition spaces. Ernst & Young (E&Y) has been appointed as the transaction advisor to structure financial models and guide project implementation.

Taken together, these ambitious projects signify Odisha’s long-term vision to become a more efficient, forward-looking state with infrastructure that matches its rising economic and administrative aspirations. By integrating design, functionality, and public service needs, the government aims to position Bhubaneswar as a modern administrative capital—ready for expanding responsibilities and future growth.