Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to urban capacity building, Housing & Urban Development Minister Krushna Chandra Mohapatra on Wednesday inaugurated the newly-built hostel of the Odisha Urban Academy (OUA) at Basuaghai in Bhubaneswar.
The ₹9.45 crore modern residential facility was opened in the presence of MLA Babu Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, WATCO Managing Director Debabrata Mohanty, and senior officials. On the occasion, the Academy also released its Annual Training Calendar for the year.
The hostel provides dedicated accommodation for trainers, trainees, urban professionals, and elected representatives attending various training, research, and capacity-building programmes. It features 28 twin-sharing rooms (24 standard and 4 premium) with attached toilets and balconies, accommodating up to 56 residents. Additional amenities include a dining hall seating 40, modu
lar kitchen, conference hall, gymnasium, indoor recreation facilities, guest rooms, and common areas.
The building is equipped with central air-conditioning, power backup, 24×7 water supply, lifts, and a solar power system for energy efficiency.
Speaking at the inauguration, Mohapatra stressed the importance of skilled human resources for effective urban governance amid rapid urbanisation. He highlighted the Academy’s unique practical training infrastructure, including a Sewage Treatment Plant, Septage Treatment Plant, and Material Recovery Facility, which offer hands-on learning in sanitation, waste management, and water reuse. “The absence of accommodation was a major constraint. With this hostel, many more trainees can now stay on campus and fully benefit from the programmes,” the Minister said, adding that participants from other states and countries are also welcome.
He also mentioned a new landscaped public park with children’s play equipment developed on the campus for local residents.
MLA Babu Singh praised the state government’s focus on urban infrastructure and human resource development, noting that the hostel would significantly expand residential training opportunities and strengthen Odisha’s leadership in sustainable urban development.
Additional Chief Secretary described the Academy as an emerging centre of excellence and said the new hostel would greatly enhance its ability to conduct high-quality residential programmes for urban officials, engineers, planners, and elected representatives.