Odisha Explores Stronger Partnership with ADB to Accelerate Urban Transformation

Focus on sustainable mobility, resilient infrastructure, and data-driven urban planning

Bhubaneswar : The Odisha Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has initiated discussions with the Asian Development Bank (ADB) to strengthen cooperation in urban infrastructure, sustainable mobility, and resilient city planning. The meeting, marks a significant step toward deepening ADB’s partnership with Odisha in shaping future-ready urban ecosystems.

Chaired by Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the H&UD Department, the high-level meeting focused on advancing Odisha’s urban transformation agenda through strategic collaboration with the multilateral lender. Discussions revolved around creating a structured framework for long-term cooperation that prioritizes innovation, inclusivity, and sustainability in urban governance.

Padhee emphasized that Odisha’s vision for urban development goes beyond physical infrastructure. “The goal is to create cities that are not only efficient and modern but also resilient, inclusive, and environmentally sustainable,” she said. She underscored the need for integrated urban planning, cross-departmental coordination, and community-centric design to ensure equitable access to essential services such as water supply, sanitation, housing, and mobility.

The meeting explored the potential for ADB to extend both technical expertise and financial support to upcoming urban projects in the state. This includes initiatives under the Odisha Urban Sanitation Mission, the Smart Cities Mission, and future mobility and waste management programs. The ADB delegation and H&UD officials also discussed integrating technology-driven monitoring systems and digital tools to enhance transparency and efficiency in project implementation.

The ADB delegation, comprising Sougat Dasgupta and Abhisek Mukherjee, reiterated the institution’s long-standing partnership with Odisha and expressed enthusiasm for expanding support to new sectors. “ADB is committed to strengthening its collaboration with Odisha, especially in the areas of sustainable urban development, mobility, commerce, and transport,” said Dasgupta.

ADB has been an active partner in several infrastructure and urban reform initiatives in Odisha, including water supply improvement, sewerage management, and capacity-building programs for local bodies. The new discussions indicate a shift toward a more integrated approach, combining urban resilience, mobility innovation, and climate-smart planning to build sustainable urban ecosystems.

The delegates proposed the formation of joint monitoring committees to oversee project progress, ensure accountability, and facilitate data-based decision-making. The committees will help align ADB-supported initiatives with the state’s long-term development goals and national urban policies.

Padhee outlined the Odisha government’s broader vision of transforming cities into dynamic engines of economic growth and social progress. “Our aim is to create livable cities that are resilient to climate change, economically vibrant, and socially inclusive,” she said, adding that innovation and sustainability remain at the core of all urban planning initiatives.

Special Secretary Rajesh Pravakar Patil, who was also present at the meeting, highlighted that the department is prioritizing green infrastructure, waste recycling, renewable energy integration, and multimodal mobility systems to meet the needs of rapidly growing urban populations.

Officials from both sides agreed that Odisha’s proactive approach to urban development, combined with ADB’s expertise and financing capabilities, could create a replicable model for sustainable urban transformation across India.

The meeting concluded with both the ADB and the H&UD Department expressing intent to formalize their collaboration through a series of structured projects and capacity-building programs. This partnership is expected to foster innovation, improve service delivery, and enhance urban resilience in the face of climate and demographic challenges.

As Odisha continues to position itself as a leader in sustainable urbanization, the strengthened partnership with ADB is set to play a pivotal role in accelerating the state’s vision for inclusive and future-ready cities.