Bhubaneswar, Jan 12, 2026 — Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday inaugurated a series of ambitious development projects in Bhubaneswar, including the construction of a new Odisha Assembly building, a modern Lok Seva Bhavan, and other infrastructure projects worth a combined ₹6,701 crore. The foundation-laying ceremony, held at the Lok Seva Bhavan, marked a significant step toward modernizing the state’s governance and public service infrastructure.

New Assembly and Lok Seva Bhavan

The centerpiece of the projects is the construction of a state-of-the-art Assembly building and Lok Seva Bhavan, estimated to cost ₹3,623 crore and spread across 71.13 acres in the state capital. The new assembly will feature a modern meeting hall with a seating capacity for 300 members, ensuring adequate space for the current 147 MLAs and potential future expansion following delimitation, which could raise the number of members to around 200.

Majhi highlighted the long-term vision for the building: “We have to construct a new assembly building keeping in view the next 50 to 100 years,” he said, emphasizing the importance of designing infrastructure that will serve multiple generations of legislators and staff.

The Lok Seva Bhavan, which will be integrated with the assembly complex, will provide modernized office spaces for government departments and public service delivery. Majhi pointed out that the current Lok Seva Bhavan, over 70 years old, is no longer sufficient to accommodate the growing number of staff and departments. The new premises will feature underground parking facilities, enhancing convenience and space management, and providing a futuristic blueprint for efficient governance.

Works Minister Pritiviraj Harichandan said the Lok Seva Bhavan and Mantralaya building is designed as a hub of governance and public service, combining administrative efficiency with modern architecture. A master plan for the ambitious project has already been approved, he added, underscoring the state government’s commitment to sustainable and functional infrastructure.

Elevated Corridor from Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan

In addition to the new assembly and Lok Seva Bhavan, Majhi laid the foundation stone for a dedicated elevated corridor connecting Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan, costing ₹952 crore. The corridor aims to ease traffic congestion and improve connectivity across the state capital.

The corridor project includes flyovers at major junctions, including Jaydev Vihar, Kalinga Hospital Square, Damana Square, and KIIT Square, as well as a planned four-lane cable-stayed bridge at Jaydev Vihar Square. The elevated corridor is expected to significantly reduce travel time, improve traffic management, and enhance urban mobility in Bhubaneswar.

Environmental Sustainability

Harichandan emphasized the government’s commitment to environmental sustainability in all infrastructure projects. As part of the elevated corridor initiative, approximately 22,410 trees will be planted along both sides of the route, ensuring a green buffer and contributing to a healthier urban environment. The project reflects a holistic approach to urban planning, balancing infrastructure development with ecological considerations.

Strategic Vision for Odisha

The Chief Minister underscored that the new assembly and Lok Seva Bhavan, along with the elevated corridor, represent long-term investments in Odisha’s governance and urban infrastructure. The projects are aimed at creating modern, functional spaces that facilitate better administration, improve service delivery to citizens, and accommodate future expansion.

“These projects are not just about buildings and roads; they are about ensuring that governance in Odisha is efficient, modern, and accessible for generations to come,” Majhi said. The integration of modern facilities, advanced traffic corridors, and green spaces signals a future-ready approach to urban development, aligning with the state’s broader vision of sustainable growth and administrative efficiency.

Economic and Civic Impact

The new assembly, Lok Seva Bhavan, and elevated corridor are expected to generate employment opportunities during construction and subsequently improve operational efficiency in governance and urban mobility. The projects also reflect Odisha’s commitment to enhancing civic infrastructure to match the state’s growing population and evolving administrative needs.

The elevated corridor, in particular, is set to transform traffic flow in Bhubaneswar, connecting key commercial and residential hubs while reducing congestion and travel time. The inclusion of flyovers and a cable-stayed bridge ensures that the corridor can handle increasing vehicular volumes in the coming decades.

A Step Toward Modern Governance

By combining modern architecture, advanced facilities, and sustainable urban planning, Odisha is aiming to set benchmarks for state governance infrastructure. The new assembly and Lok Seva Bhavan will serve as symbols of efficient administration, while the elevated corridor demonstrates the government’s commitment to smart city planning and improved connectivity.

Chief Minister Majhi’s vision reflects a forward-looking approach, prioritizing functionality, environmental sustainability, and citizen-centric governance. These projects are expected to enhance the overall quality of administration and facilitate smooth interactions between government departments and the public.

Looking Ahead

With construction now underway, Odisha is poised to witness a transformation in both governance infrastructure and urban mobility. The combination of modern legislative facilities, public service hubs, and strategically designed transport corridors is set to make Bhubaneswar a model city for efficient governance and urban planning in India.

The foundation-laying ceremony marks the beginning of a new chapter in Odisha’s administrative and civic development, with a focus on long-term growth, sustainability, and inclusivity. Majhi’s emphasis on modern facilities, green spaces, and forward-looking design underscores the state government’s determination to build infrastructure that meets the needs of present and future generations.