Bhubaneswar, the capital city of Odisha, is changing rapidly. Once known as a quiet administrative city, it is now growing into a Smart City with better roads, improved infrastructure, and rising IT development. The Odisha government’s vision of “Viksit Odisha 2036” aims to make Bhubaneswar a modern, clean, and people-friendly city. With new projects, better planning, and smart technology, Smart City Bhubaneswar is moving from a developing city to a developed and future-ready city.
Being a resident of Bhubaneswar, it feels so special to see my city transform from a calm and peaceful place into a fast-changing city full of energy and new ideas. Earlier, many people outside didn’t even know much about Bhubaneswar, but today our city is being recognised across the country for its smart and planned growth. Let me take you through how Bhubaneswar is changing and the major government plans shaping its future.
Government Initiatives to Transform Smart City Bhubaneswar from Developing to Developed
The government is taking key steps under the Smart City Mission to make Bhubaneswar more developed, sustainable, and livable for its citizens. The following schemes highlight major initiatives driving this transformation.
New City Development Scheme
- 800 acres in Gothapatna, Malipada, Daspur; approved Sept 2025.
- Total investment: ₹8,179 crore over 15 years, first 5 years: ₹1,342 crore.
- Features: multi-economic zone, integrated residential-commercial areas, affordable housing.
- Designed as a future major urban hub.
Urban Design Hub & Planned Growth
- Odisha Urban Design Hub (OUDH) promotes design-led urban planning.
- Adopts 15-minute city & transit-oriented development: daily needs reachable within 15 mins.
- Focus on intelligent, sustainable growth instead of random expansion.
Smart City Mission & Digital Infrastructure
- Focus on core services: water, electricity, sanitation, urban mobility, affordable housing.
- Bhubaneswarone portal integrates city services, maps, and geospatial data for citizens.
- Governance moves from ad-hoc to data-driven, citizen-centric.
Urban Affairs Schemes: Samruddha Sahar & MSBY
- Samruddha Sahar (₹4,879 crore): planned urbanisation, regional growth hubs.
- Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikas Yojana (MSBY): civic amenities and city development projects.
- Focus on proactive city planning and regional integration.
Heritage & City Branding: “I Am Bhubaneswar”
- Promotes street art, murals, heritage walk (Ekamra Walks), festivals (Patha Utsav).
- Enhances city identity, culture, and livability, not just roads and buildings.
Why Living in Smart City Bhubaneswar is Becoming Easier and Smarter
- Better Infrastructure: Smart City Bhubaneswar offers improved roads, efficient public transport, and upgraded utilities that make daily life easier.
- Employment Opportunities: The city’s growth in IT, business hubs, and commercial zones under the Smart City Mission is creating diverse job opportunities.
- Enhanced Quality of Life: Residents enjoy modern housing, advanced healthcare, quality education, and recreational spaces that align with Bhubaneswar’s smart city vision.
- Smart Services: Digital platforms like BhubaneswarOne ensure faster, transparent, and efficient citizen services.
- Sustainable & Healthy Environment: Planned green spaces, cleaner surroundings, and reduced traffic pollution make Smart City Bhubaneswar more livable and eco-friendly.
- Cultural & Social Engagement: Heritage walks, city festivals, and branding initiatives such as “I Am Bhubaneswar” foster community pride and cultural identity.
- Convenience & Connectivity: The 15-minute city planning model improves accessibility, ensuring residents can reach essential services quickly and comfortably.
My Thoughts
As a resident of Bhubaneswar, it’s inspiring to witness the city’s transformation through smart urban planning and digital initiatives. Earlier, we could only dream of smooth roads and reliable public services. Today, the city’s modern infrastructure and sustainable growth under the Smart City Mission have made life easier and more organized. I’m truly proud to see Bhubaneswar’s urban development setting an example for other cities in India.
You can also check:
Bhubaneswar Transformation- Journey from Historic Temple City to Smart City 2025.
