IRC Village, Know About This Timeless Landmark As Odisha Hosts Indian Roads Congress From Tomorrow

Bhubaneswar: Indian Roads Congress (IRC) is returning to Odisha after a decade. The 84th edition of the event will be held at Janata Maidan in Bhubaneswar from November 6-10.

This is the sixth time that the state has been chosen as host, which has put the spotlight back on the locality, IRC Village, which stands testimony to an enduring legacy born out of a temporary beginning.

While Odisha hosted its first Indian Roads Congress in 1954, it was again picked for the event in 1982 when engineers, officials, and dignitaries from across the country were expected to gather in Bhubaneswar to discuss India’s growing road network. However, the city then did not have enough star hotels and guest houses to accommodate such large number of prominent attendees. Drawing inspiration from the Asiad Village built for the Asian Games, the government then decided to put up the delegates in temporary structures built on an open field under Nayapalli Mouza.

The new settlement soon became known as “IRC Village”, named after the event that gave it life — the Indian Roads Congress.

For the duration of the conference, the area buzzed with activity, hosting engineers, ministers, and experts who had gathered to exchange ideas about the future of India’s roads. Once the conference ended, most delegates returned home — but the name stayed. The temporary settlement, built for a few weeks of use, slowly evolved into a permanent and prestigious residential area. Over the years, IRC Village transformed beyond recognition keeping pace with the city’s growing landscape. The open fields that once hosted makeshift houses turned into a planned neighbourhood filled with modern homes, parks, and community spaces. What was once a short-term accommodation hub for guests of the Indian Roads Congress became one of Bhubaneswar’s most desirable addresses — home to officials, professionals, and families.

Odisha went on to host the event again in 1994, 2005 and 2015. The return of Indian Roads Congress, reflects both continuity and progress, highlighting the state’s giant strides in planning and development.

And IRC Village remains a living tribute to the event that first brought it into existence.