Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved a new scheme – ‘Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana (MSBY) – with an aim to improve urban infrastructure in the state.
The Cabinet meeting, chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, gave its nod to the scheme, which aims to enhance urban infrastructure and improve revenue model with an integrated approach to urban development in line with ‘Viksit Odisha @ 2036 vision’.
With a proposed outlay of Rs 6,000 crore over five years, the scheme is expected to boost urban infrastructure, create large-scale employment, and enhance the quality of life for residents, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja told reporters after the meeting.
Under the scheme, the government plans to develop a wide range of infrastructure including Kalyan Mandaps, town halls, crematoriums, community centres, market complexes, roads, drains, vending zones, parks, parking spaces, EV charging stations, and mini cold storage units.
These facilities will be complemented by the development of micro tourism projects and neighbourhood marketplaces to energize local economies.
The programme also includes the creation of employment opportunities through projects such as the construction of mini parks, open-air gyms, walking tracks, children’s play areas, playgrounds, Bhogamandaps, Bhagabat Tungis, rainwater harvesting structures, and open space developments.
Additionally, efforts will be made to rejuvenate urban water bodies and riverfronts while also prioritising environmental protection through 5,000 afforestation projects.
As part of its focus on inclusivity and welfare, the scheme will support the development of animal care facilities including kanjiahudas, goshalas, and pet care centres.
The state government has allocated Rs 1,100 crore in the 2025-26 budget to kickstart the initiative.
Over the five-year period, the scheme aims to roll out 50,000 urban infrastructure projects and generate wage employment for more than five lakh skilled and unskilled workers.