Bhubaneswar- In a landmark step towards sustainable and people-centric urban development, the Odisha government has unveiled the Odisha Urban Design Hub (OUDH) —a specialised institution under the Housing and Urban Development Department that will lead the transformation of major urban centres across the state.
The OUDH is envisioned as a central think-tank and execution body that will place design excellence and heritage preservation at the heart of Odisha’s urban growth. With a holistic approach that integrates infrastructure development, municipal finance, community participation, and data-backed governance, the hub will steer Odisha’s cities towards a more livable and inclusive future.
A senior officer of the department said, Odisha is known for its architectural legacy that reflects the state’s cultural and historical depth. “The hub will act as the backbone of Odisha’s next-generation urban planning and design strategies. It will bring in aesthetics, inclusivity, sustainability, and livability into city spaces beyond infrastructure,” he said.
The mission spans 11 key urban centres—Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Rourkela, Berhampur, Sambalpur, Balasore, Baripada, Jharsuguda-Sambalpur, Bhadrak, Koraput-Jeypore, Keonjhar, Phulbani, and Paradip. These cities will undergo a comprehensive transformation guided by local context, cultural identity, and global best practices.
For the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Khordha region, the plan includes the development of 15-minute city models. These urban layouts will focus on enhancing connectivity and access to essentials within a short radius of residential zones, particularly along major transit corridors. Complementing this, seven major public space projects will be introduced across the state, celebrating heritage, fostering commerce, and strengthening community engagement.
Beyond planning, the OUDH will serve as both an advisory and implementing agency, ensuring all future urban initiatives align with Odisha’s local needs while meeting international standards. Its long-term role will be instrumental in shaping cities that are resilient, adaptive, and people-friendly.
This ambitious urban design initiative also dovetails with the broader Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri-Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER) vision. The state aims to position this region as a USD 500 billion economic cluster by 2047. Projects such as the Puri Aerotropolis, Cuttack Medi-city, and a futuristic smart city near Chandaka are key components of this grand development roadmap.
With the Odisha Urban Design Hub at its helm, the state is not just planning cities—it is sculpting a visionary future where design meets purpose, and growth embraces sustainability.
