Bhubaneswar: The state govt has set in motion the development of Janashray Bhawan, a lodging-cum-commercial complex with a capacity of 2,000 beds in the capital, with the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation floating a tender for the project.The bidding process is currently underway, with pre-bid consultations scheduled before the final submission of bids. The selected agency will have 30 months to complete the project.Planned at Unit-II near Master Canteen, the facility is expected to emerge as one of the city’s largest public accommodation hubs, providing nearly 2,000 beds for visitors while also housing commercial, office and dining spaces.Officials said the project is aimed at creating a modern, well-equipped facility for people travelling to the state capital of Bhubaneswar from across the state for medical treatment, education, examinations and official work.“The idea is to create a dedicated accommodation facility with all essential amenities. It will benefit visitors who often struggle to find affordable lodging in the city. It will be more like an upgraded govt guest house,” an official associated with the project said.The project will also feature parking facilities and landscaped public areas.The selected agency will be responsible for designing and constructing the complex and securing necessary statutory approvals.Chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi had announced the project in Jan and set the modalities.Urban planners said that the project will address a long-standing need for organised accommodation in the state capital.“A facility of this scale can fill a major gap in visitor infrastructure. It should be offered at affordable price,” urban planner Puneet Pattnaik said.Residents welcomed the initiative. “Many families coming to the city for treatment or examinations spend heavily on private hotels. A dedicated accommodation centre can make their stay more convenient and affordable,” said city resident Prasanta Nayak.Another resident, Sasmita Dash, said the project could improve facilities available to outstation visitors. “Bhubaneswar is growing rapidly. Infrastructure of this kind is needed to match the city’s growth,” she said.
