Jharapada, Bhubaneswar

The Odisha Cabinet has approved the 'Gyanodaya–Shiksharu Samruddhi' scheme, which will provide free education from Kindergarten (KG) to Postgraduate (PG) levels in government and government-aided institutions across the state. This initiative aims to make quality education accessible and affordable.

The Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) will install sensors in major drains across the city to monitor silt accumulation and blockages, improving the effectiveness of desilting operations and overall drainage management. This initiative aims to reduce waterlogging and improve civic services during the monsoon season.

Plans have been unveiled for a new 1,000-seat multipurpose convention centre in Puri, aimed at enhancing its status as a destination for conferences and events. This infrastructure development is expected to boost tourism, cultural exchange, and economic growth in the region by providing a modern venue for national and international gatherings.

The Odisha government has approved 20 mega investment proposals totaling Rs 76,612 crore, expected to create over 50,000 jobs across various sectors including green energy, steel, pharmaceuticals, and lab-grown diamonds. These approvals aim to boost industrial diversification and economic growth in the state.

Bhubaneswar Development Authority has released a draft Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) for land parcel reconstitution under town planning schemes 42 to 45 in Zone IV. This aims to establish a transparent framework for equitable distribution of reconstituted plots, benefiting landowners. The SOP allows for voluntary amalgamation of plots and permits joint applications.

Leading real estate developers in Odisha are urging the state government to reform the decades-old land conversion framework, citing project delays and increased costs. This reform is crucial for planned urban growth and to accommodate Bhubaneswar's expanding population.

The foundation stone for India's first advanced 3D chip packaging unit has been laid at Info Valley in Bhubaneswar. This project, aligned with the Atmanirbhar Bharat vision, aims to position Odisha as a key hub in next-generation semiconductor infrastructure, focusing on advanced 3D glass-based packaging technologies crucial for AI and communication systems.

Railway projects worth over Rs 90,000 crore are currently in execution across Odisha. The state has received a record budget allocation of over Rs 10,000 crore for railway development. 59 railway stations are being redeveloped. A four-line railway corridor along coastal Odisha from Balasore to Brahmapur is also planned.

The Bhubaneswar Railway Station is being upgraded into a modern transit hub with significant infrastructure improvements. A new air concourse has been introduced, providing seamless connectivity across all six platforms and greatly enhancing passenger convenience and movement within the station.