Odisha Signs MoU With BISAG-N to Prepare State Master Plan
Partnership aims to strengthen integrated infrastructure planning, digital governance, and long-term development under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has taken an important step toward modernising its infrastructure planning by signing a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Bhaskaracharya National Institute for Space Applications and Geo-informatics (BISAG-N). The agreement was signed on Friday by the Commerce and Transport Department and BISAG-N for preparing a comprehensive Odisha State Master Plan under the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan.
The MoU signing ceremony was attended by several top officials of the state government. Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja, Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, ACS of the General Administration and Public Grievances Department Surendra Kumar, and Commerce and Transport Secretary Usha Padhee were present, along with secretaries from various other departments. From BISAG-N, Director General TP Singh and his team participated in the event.
Speaking about the collaboration, officials said the partnership marks a major step toward creating a unified and data-driven roadmap for Odisha’s future. The State Master Plan will play a key role in improving how infrastructure is planned, approved, and implemented across districts. It will also help different departments work together more efficiently, avoiding duplication of work and ensuring faster delivery of public services.
Aligned With PM Gati Shakti’s Integrated Approach
The PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan, launched by the central government, aims to bring all infrastructure-related data onto a single digital platform. This allows states to plan projects holistically, keeping in mind future transport needs, industrial growth, economic corridors, and environmental considerations. Odisha’s decision to create its own detailed master plan under this framework is expected to greatly improve long-term planning and governance.
BISAG-N to Provide Geo-Spatial and Technical Expertise
BISAG-N, the technical partner in the project, is a leading national institution under the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology. The institute is known for its work in satellite communication, geo-informatics, and geo-spatial technologies. Over the years, BISAG-N has supported several states and central agencies with advanced mapping tools, real-time monitoring systems, and digital platforms for project management.
The institute specialises in developing Geographic Information System (GIS)-based solutions. These include designing GIS databases, preparing and updating maps, converting and migrating digital data, and creating customised software for government departments. BISAG-N’s expertise also covers full integration of GIS systems with existing workflows, allowing departments to make faster and more accurate decisions.
For Odisha, the new master plan will bring together essential data related to roads, railways, ports, power networks, urban development, water resources, forests, and industrial zones. By putting all this information on a single platform, the state will be able to plan future projects with better coordination and transparency. Officials believe this will help identify gaps in infrastructure, reduce project delays, and optimise public investment.
Benefits Across Multiple Sectors
The partnership is expected to benefit multiple sectors, including transportation, logistics, mining, agriculture, health, and disaster management. A unified spatial database will allow authorities to monitor land use more effectively, plan new economic hubs, and improve access to remote regions. It will also support faster approvals for industries by giving policymakers and investors clear insights into available infrastructure and future development zones.
The Chief Secretary said the MoU represents a major step toward making Odisha “future-ready,” with digital governance at the core of development. He noted that the integration of satellite-based data and GIS technology would help the state make smarter, more sustainable decisions, especially in times of rapid economic expansion.
BISAG-N’s Director General TP Singh said the institute is committed to supporting Odisha in building a strong digital foundation for planning and development. He added that the master plan will combine cutting-edge geo-spatial tools with the state’s long-term priorities, ensuring that departments can coordinate seamlessly.
With the signing of this MoU, work will now begin on preparing the detailed master plan. This includes gathering data from different departments, creating high-quality digital maps, and identifying priority development corridors. Workshops and training sessions will also be organised for state officials to help them use the new system effectively.
Step Toward Technology-Driven Governance
Odisha’s collaboration with BISAG-N reflects the state’s growing focus on technology-driven governance. As the state continues to expand its industrial and infrastructure footprint, the comprehensive master plan is expected to serve as a blueprint for long-term growth, better public services, and more efficient use of resources.
