New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: Chief Minister Mohan Majhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the new Odisha Bhawan at Chanakyapuri’s Kautilya Marg in New Delhi.
The event was attended by Union Minister for Tribal Affairs Jual Oram, Odisha’s Law, Works & Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan, Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit, marking the official commencement of construction following the demolition of the old structure. The earlier building was declared structurally unsafe in an April 2024 report by the Odisha Works department and demolished in late 2024.
The new facility will be a contemporary seven-storey (G+6) structure spread over 4,761 square metres, incorporating three basements and featuring 45 suites in general, executive, and VIP categories. It will include an exhibition gallery on the first floor to showcase Odisha’s art and crafts, a 70-seat modern conference hall on the second floor, separate executive and VIP dining areas, and a modern kitchen.
The state-of-the-art guest house will cater to visiting dignitaries, government officials, and other guests, while showcasing elements of traditional Odia architecture amid Delhi’s diplomatic landscape. The design will prominently feature intricate stone carvings, Sambalpuri ikat motifs, and other symbols of Odisha’s rich heritage and customs, giving the building a distinct cultural identity while maintaining sustainability and modernity
Addressing the gathering, Majhi stated that the new Bhavan’s architecture would beautifully reflect “Odisha’s prosperous legacy, art, and culture.” He added that the tender process has been completed and construction will begin very soon at an estimated cost of Rs 93.27 crore.
He announced that new Odisha Bhavans will be constructed in Ayodhya, Bengaluru, and Surat to better serve the Odia diaspora and pilgrims. Land has already been requested from the respective governments. He also proposed an additional Odisha Bhavan in Mumbai, where the existing one will be expanded to accommodate more visitors, especially cancer patients from Odisha seeking treatment.
Currently, Odisha Bhavans exist in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.
To ensure proper upkeep of all these facilities nationwide, a dedicated maintenance division will be created under the state government, he said.
Majhi further revealed plans for a ‘Jan Ashraya Bhawan’ at Master Canteen Square in Bhubaneswar to provide short-stay facilities to people coming from different districts. “It will be built over a five-acre area and will have a bus stand, showrooms and shops. A person will be allowed to stay here for three days at a nominal price,” he added.
