Ambitious Urban Strategy to Address Rising Costs and Housing Shortage
In a bold move to tackle skyrocketing property prices and a widening housing gap in Bhubaneswar, the Odisha government has announced plans to launch a sweeping affordable housing initiative, with prices starting from just ₹15 lakh. The program, designed to restore Bhubaneswar’s character as a people-centric city, forms a core part of the government’s broader urban development vision.
As real estate in the capital spirals out of reach—with many properties priced over ₹1 crore—middle and low-income families are increasingly being pushed to the margins. The new initiative promises to realign the city’s growth with equity, affordability, and accessibility.
A Housing Model for All: From LIG to MIG
Led by the Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department, the housing plan is tailored to serve both Low-Income Group (LIG) and Middle-Income Group (MIG) residents. Units will be priced between ₹15 lakh and ₹50 lakh, offering a much-needed lifeline to thousands of urban families dreaming of home ownership.
The scheme will not be limited to inner-city areas. Under the “Greater Bhubaneswar” vision, new peripheral zones have been identified for large-scale residential development. These zones will be incorporated into the city through the Bhubaneswar Development Authority’s (BDA) accelerated Town Planning Scheme (TPS), which is redefining city limits and earmarking land for structured growth.
This decentralization is intended to ease pressure on existing urban infrastructure, distributing population density while promoting more sustainable urban sprawl.
Beyond Housing: Comprehensive Urban Transformation
Housing is only one pillar of the state’s broader blueprint for Bhubaneswar. To support its growing population and enhance quality of life, the government is also investing in infrastructure upgrades, including:
· Construction of flyovers at major traffic junctions
· Modernization of traffic systems with smart signals
· Expansion of public transportation, including additional buses and routes
These improvements aim to create a seamless, efficient mobility ecosystem, ensuring that newly developed zones remain connected and liveable.
Tri-City Model: Bhubaneswar, Cuttack & Puri United
In a forward-thinking regional approach, the Odisha government is also promoting the Tri-City Development Model, integrating Bhubaneswar with its twin city Cuttack and the religious capital Puri. The plan envisions a continuous urban corridor that enables shared infrastructure, balanced economic development, and enhanced tourism potential across all three cities.
By creating interlinked growth zones, the state aims to reduce pressure on individual cities while promoting more balanced urbanization.
A Step Toward Inclusive Urban Growth
Odisha’s latest housing push is more than just a real estate initiative—it’s a statement of intent. By combining affordability with strategic urban planning, the government is building a future-ready Bhubaneswar that caters to all segments of society.
In an age when cities are becoming symbols of inequality, this initiative serves as a reminder that true urban progress is measured not by high-rises, but by how many people can call a city home.
(With agency inputs)
