Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government on Wednesday unveiled an ambitious roadmap for comprehensive urban transformation under “Viksit Odisha @2036” vision, announcing a mission-mode “A Roof for All” initiative aimed at providing housing coverage to 80% of the urban population by 2036.
The announcement came during a high-level review meeting chaired by Minister for Housing & Urban Development Krushna Chandra Mahapatra at the Odisha Urban Academy here.
The “A Roof for All” programme will adopt a three-tier strategy targeting Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Groups (LIG), and a dedicated rental housing component for migrant and floating populations. It will begin in Rourkela and expand in phases to other cities. To ensure rapid rollout, District Collectors have been instructed to prioritise land identification and allocation for the projects.
Mahapatra stressed that the department’s success should be judged not just by infrastructure projects completed, but by measurable improvements in citizens’ quality of life, livelihoods, and economic resilience. He noted that the department has already utilised nearly 98% of its allocated budget and called for focused efforts to convert this spending into visible on-ground results.
The Minister also reviewed the Town Planning Scheme based on a land pooling model. Under this system, 40% of pooled land will be reserved for public infrastructure such as roads, drainage, and civic amenities, while landowners will receive 60% of the developed land back. The approach is expected to facilitate organised urban growth, reduce disputes, and create well-serviced areas.
Progress under the Chief Minister’s Smart City Scheme was examined, with 49 cities identified for development in the first phase. Mahapatra directed officials to deliver comprehensive urban transformation through modern road networks, reliable water supply, efficient sewerage and drainage systems, and improved aesthetics, positioning these cities as engines of growth that blend global standards with local needs.
He reiterated the government’s commitment under the AMRUT mission to achieve universal household tap water connections and emphasised technology-enabled monitoring to ensure projects are completed on time.
Addressing urban flooding, Mahapatra informed that a comprehensive Drainage Master Plan is underway for major cities. Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) have been prepared and funds allocated for priority works, including the early rejuvenation of Gangua Nala and Daya West Canal. These efforts will be carried out in collaboration with the Water Resources Department to deliver integrated, sustainable solutions aligned with the Prime Minister’s vision for resilient urban infrastructure.
The Minister further highlighted plans to rejuvenate urban rivers and canals, converting them into vibrant public spaces and tourism attractions that can boost local economies and livability. He also called for strengthened urban safety through expanded CCTV networks and intelligent traffic management systems.
Additionally, he directed that the 28 newly formed Urban Local Bodies become fully functional at the earliest to improve civic service delivery.
In a major administrative reform, Mahapatra mandated that all approvals on the SUJOG Portal be processed within a maximum of seven days. He announced strict penalties, including direct salary deductions for officials responsible for delays beyond the stipulated timeline, to enhance transparency and ease of doing business.
The Minister urged officials to accelerate the development of community-centric facilities such as market complexes, community halls, and cremation/burial grounds, ensuring urban growth remains inclusive and humane.
Senior officials, including Additional Chief Secretary Usha Padhee, Director of Municipal Administration Arindam Dakua, and heads of various urban departments, attended the session.
