Bhubaneswar: The Temple City marked its 77th Foundation Day on April 13, 2025, even as it stands on the brink of a dramatic transformation. Born from the vision of German architect Otto Koenigsberger and inaugurated as Odisha’s capital in 1948, Bhubaneswar is now being reshaped by an ambitious suite of infrastructure projects to become a beacon of modern urbanisation in eastern India.
Leading the city’s evolution is the Bhubaneswar Metro Rail project, now being expanded beyond its originally planned Trisulia terminus to the neighbouring city of Cuttack.
The extension aims to create seamless transit across the twin cities and ease traffic snarls. Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra has confirmed that construction is underway, with key facilities like the precasting unit and coach depot operational.
Elevated track work will begin later this year, following successful soil testing across multiple locations. This move is expected to drastically cut commute times and enhance connectivity for thousands of daily travellers.
Bhubaneswar is also undergoing a dual railway revolution. The city’s main railway station is being upgraded in phases, with the first phase expected to be completed by October 2025.
Valued at Rs 398 crore, the overhaul includes an international airport-style terminal, a three-storey eastern block, and an 11-storey structure near Master Canteen. A 108-metre air concourse will link both sides, accommodating over 1,000 passengers and allowing daily footfall to expand to 100,000.
Adding to this, the Odisha government has greenlit the uplift of a second major station on the city’s northern edge. Bhubaneswar New Railway Station (BBSN) has been planned to decongest the main station. This new facility near the Nandankanan corridor will serve the city’s growing suburbs and facilitate smooth regional travel.
Ring Road Project: A Bold Vision for Urban Mobility
Another transformative project is the proposed Ring Road around Bhubaneswar. Aimed at decongesting city traffic, this multi-crore road network will loop around the capital, offering quick access to the airport, railway stations, and key industrial zones.
Convention Centre in Chandrasekharpur: Global Events Hub
To amplify its presence on the international map, Bhubaneswar is constructing its largest-ever convention centre in Chandrasekharpur. Capable of hosting 10,000 attendees, the facility will serve as a venue for global conferences, exhibitions, and cultural gatherings. Managed by the Odisha Bridge Construction Corporation under a PPP model, the project is a crucial step in making Bhubaneswar a business tourism hotspot.
Airport Upgrades: Speeding Up Air Travel
At the Biju Patnaik International Airport, infrastructure is getting a turbocharge. A new 1,566-metre parallel taxi track and a rapid exit taxiway have been constructed to enhance operational capacity. Once greenlit by the Directorate General of Civil Aviation (DGCA), the upgrades will increase aircraft handling to 20 planes per hour, significantly reducing wait times and expediting both arrivals and departures.
Urban Growth in Ghatikia and Beyond
On the urban development front, Ghatikia is set to become a new epicentre of residential and commercial activity. The Bhubaneswar Development Authority has cleared a project to construct a modern community market and residential complex over 2.79 acres.
Jurisdictional Expansion: A City Sprawling Wider
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority has extended its jurisdiction by including 143 more revenue villages, raising the total to 712 to ensure uniform infrastructure growth and planning across new zones. It allows for streamlined governance and coordinated civic services in rapidly urbanising regions.
Three-Tier Elevated Road: Redefining Nandankanan Corridor
A three-lane elevated road project along the busy Nandankanan Road is in the pipeline. It will include a dedicated metro line running above, making it a key multi-modal transport corridor. Designed to reduce congestion and connect Bhubaneswar with its expanding peripheries, the project is under active assessment, with detailed studies already in motion.
Tech and Investment Influx: HCL Sets Foot in Odisha
Bhubaneswar’s appeal to the corporate world is growing, with HCL Technologies announcing plans to launch operations in the state. At the Delhi Investors’ Meet, Chief Minister Mohan Majhi showcased the city as a rising IT hub, signalling a wave of job creation and technology-driven growth.
A Capital on the Rise
As Bhubaneswar steps into its 78th year, it does so with a renewed sense of purpose. With ambitious transport, urban planning, and commercial projects taking shape, the city is not merely upgrading its infrastructure but reimagining its identity.
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