Odisha's Chief Minister Unveils Major Development Projects Worth ₹6,701 Crore

Foundation Stone Laid for New Lok Seva Bhavan and Assembly

Bhubaneswar: On Monday, Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi initiated the construction of a new Lok Seva Bhavan (state secretariat) and the Odisha Assembly building, along with several other developmental initiatives totaling ₹6,701 crore.

During a ceremony at the Lok Seva Bhavan in Bhubaneswar, CM Majhi laid the foundation stones for various projects. The new Assembly building and Lok Seva Bhavan are projected to cost ₹3,623 crore and will occupy 71.13 acres in the state capital.

The Chief Minister highlighted that the upcoming assembly structure will include a modern meeting hall designed to accommodate 300 members.

With the current count of 147 MLAs, which may rise post-delimitation, he noted, "We might have around 200 members in the future. Thus, we need to construct a new Assembly building that will serve us for the next 50 to 100 years."

The new premises will also feature underground parking to enhance space management and convenience.

Works Minister Pritiviraj Harichandan stated that the complex, officially named the 'Lok Seva Bhavan and Mantralaya building,' aims to be a cutting-edge center for governance and public service. He confirmed that a master plan for this significant project has already received approval.

CM Majhi emphasized the necessity for a new Lok Seva Bhavan, citing that the existing building is 70 years old and inadequate for current office space demands.

The need for a modern Lok Seva Bhavan arises from the expansion of departments and staff, which has outgrown the current infrastructure, in line with government announcements for new integrated buildings by June 2025.

In addition to the new Assembly and Lok Seva Bhavan, Majhi also laid the foundation for an elevated corridor from Jaydev Vihar to Nandankanan in Bhubaneswar, with a budget of ₹952 crore.

This project will feature flyovers at critical intersections, including Jaydev Vihar, Kalinga Hospital Square, Damana Square, and KIIT Square, along with a planned 4-lane cable-stayed bridge at Jaydev Vihar Square.

To promote environmental sustainability, Harichandan mentioned that 22,410 trees will be planted along both sides of the corridor.