Odisha Plans Rs 300-Crore Redevelopment of BDA City Centre in Bhubaneswar
Former Nicco Park to be transformed into ultramodern leisure hub with wellness, recreation, and state-of-the-art amenities.
Bhubaneswar : The Odisha government has drawn up a detailed project report (DPR) for a major redevelopment of the BDA City Centre in Bhubaneswar, formerly known as Nicco Park. The plan aims to give the old recreational space a modern facelift and turn it into one of the capital city’s prime leisure destinations.
Housing and Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra made the announcement during the Local Self-Governance Day celebrations on Sunday. He said the state government is determined to revive the park, which was once a much-loved family destination but has lost its charm in recent years.
According to the DPR, the redevelopment will be executed in three phases at an estimated cost of Rs 250 crore to Rs 300 crore. The phased approach will allow the project to progress systematically while ensuring that each stage delivers visible results to the public.
The first phase will focus on strengthening infrastructure, beautifying the surroundings, and creating improved access facilities. Later phases will add wellness and recreational amenities, making the site not just a park but a multi-faceted urban leisure zone.
The government has planned several modern features to transform the area into a vibrant space. These include advanced lighting systems, beautification of the lake area, and creation of dedicated cycling tracks for fitness enthusiasts. An Ayurvedic park will be set up to promote wellness and healthy lifestyles.
In addition, the redevelopment will include food courts, landscaped gardens, and foot overbridges to ensure smooth public movement. Officials say the aim is to create a holistic recreational environment that combines health, leisure, and entertainment in one place.
Nicco Park, established decades ago, was once one of Bhubaneswar’s most popular amusement and recreational spots, attracting families, school groups, and tourists. However, over time, lack of upgrades and changing urban lifestyles reduced its appeal.
Minister Mahapatra emphasized that the government now wants to restore the site’s prominence. “Nicco Park was a popular recreational centre in Bhubaneswar in the past, but it lost importance in recent years. We have decided to redevelop it with state-of-the-art facilities so that people can once again enjoy it as the city’s prime leisure hub,” he said.
Officials of the Housing and Urban Development Department explained that the project is designed to balance fun with wellness. While the amusement aspects will attract families and young visitors, the Ayurvedic park and wellness facilities will appeal to health-conscious citizens and senior residents. Cycling and walking tracks, open green spaces, and improved lakefront areas are intended to encourage an active and eco-friendly lifestyle in the city.
Urban planners believe the redevelopment of the BDA City Centre will add significant value to Bhubaneswar’s urban landscape. With the city expanding rapidly as an IT and education hub, demand for quality recreational and open spaces has been increasing. By redeveloping Nicco Park into a modern centre, the government aims to meet this demand and enhance the quality of life in the capital.
The project also reflects a larger push by the Odisha government to modernize urban infrastructure while preserving and enhancing natural assets like lakes and green zones.
Once the state government approves the DPR and finalizes funding, the redevelopment work is expected to begin soon. While timelines are yet to be announced, officials suggest that the phased plan will ensure steady progress and minimize disruptions.
If completed as envisioned, the redeveloped BDA City Centre could emerge as Bhubaneswar’s signature leisure and wellness hub, attracting not only city residents but also tourists from across Odisha and beyond.
For now, the project has raised expectations among citizens who fondly remember Nicco Park’s golden years and are eager to see its transformation into a world-class destination.
