Bhubaneswar: Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the new Rs 93.27-crore Odisha Bhavan in New Delhi, a modern complex featuring three basements, seven floors and 45 suites.Majhi said the new building in Chanakyapuri, replacing the old one, will reflect Odisha’s rich art and cultural heritage, using Sambalpuri Ikkat design. He added that the tender process was completed and construction will begin soon for the two-year project.
The existing Odisha Bhavan in Delhi grew old and was inadequate, prompting the state govt to replace it with a facility that meets present-day requirements. The upcoming building will have three basements, a ground floor and six additional floors. It will house 45 suites equipped with modern amenities. The first floor will include an exhibition gallery, while the second floor will feature a 70-seat conference hall. The new Bhawan will be decorated with , showcasing Odisha art and culture, and will be green energy-compliant, the CM said.The govt said the new Odisha Bhavan aims to strengthen administrative coordination and cultural engagement with major cities across the country. Similar facilities are planned in Ayodhya, Bengaluru and Surat, and the state requested land from the respective govts, the CM said.Odisha Bhavans are already functional in Kolkata, Chennai and Mumbai, and the state is considering a second building in Mumbai for public convenience. Majhi also announced that an independent division will be set up to oversee the maintenance of all Odisha Bhavans.He further said the govt will construct a public shelter near Bhubaneswar’s Master Canteen Square for people visiting the capital from other districts for urgent work. The facility will offer accommodation for up to three days at a nominal cost.Union tribal affairs minister Jual Oram, public works minister Prithiviraj Harichandan, Bargarh MP Pradeep Purohit and additional chief secretary Sanjay Kumar Singh were among those present at the event in New Delhi.Besides, the state has also sought land in another place in Delhi for construction of another facility, the CM said.
