Bhubaneswar, August 31: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday launched a major urban development package involving 593 projects worth ₹323 crore across 62 cities and towns in the state. The initiatives were unveiled during the State-level Local Self-Government Day programme held in Bhubaneswar.

The projects are aimed at strengthening civic infrastructure and improving basic public services in urban areas. They include a range of development works designed to address local infrastructure requirements and enhance the quality of services available to residents.

Of the 593 projects, 423 projects costing around ₹102 crore have already been completed and were formally dedicated to the public by the Chief Minister. The remaining 170 projects, estimated at ₹221 crore, were newly taken up, with foundation stones laid for their implementation.

The development package covers urban local bodies across different parts of Odisha and is expected to provide a boost to infrastructure development in both established towns and emerging urban centres.

During the programme, Majhi also announced a significant financial package of ₹560 crore for 28 newly formed Notified Area Councils (NACs) in the state. Under the initiative, each NAC will receive ₹20 crore for undertaking essential development works.

The funds are expected to support projects relating to roads, drainage systems, markets, housing and other basic civic infrastructure. The announcement is particularly significant for newly formed urban local bodies as they seek to establish essential facilities and improve public services for growing populations.

Addressing the gathering, the Chief Minister stressed the importance of providing citizens with efficient, transparent and timely civic services. He called upon officials and representatives of urban local bodies to ensure that people can access government services without unnecessary difficulties.

Majhi also highlighted the growing importance of technology in urban governance. He urged municipal authorities to make greater use of digital and online systems to improve service delivery, transparency and administrative efficiency.

The Chief Minister said Odisha’s towns and cities should not merely expand in terms of population and infrastructure but should also emerge as important economic centres. He emphasised the need to create an urban environment that encourages entrepreneurship, investment and employment opportunities.

The state government has been focusing on strengthening urban infrastructure as Odisha’s cities and towns continue to witness expansion and increasing demand for public amenities. Better roads, drainage, housing, markets and civic facilities are considered essential to support this growth.

The Local Self-Government Day programme brought together government officials, representatives of urban local bodies and other stakeholders to discuss the development of Odisha’s urban areas.

The launch of the ₹323-crore project package, along with the ₹560-crore allocation for the newly formed NACs, marks a significant push towards improving urban infrastructure and strengthening local governance across the state.

Officials are expected to monitor the implementation of the projects to ensure timely completion and effective utilisation of funds. The government has maintained that improved civic infrastructure and responsive local administration will remain important components of Odisha’s broader urban development strategy.

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