Odisha Integrated Secretariat and Assembly Complex Launched

Odisha Chief Minister “Mohan Charan Majhi” has laid the foundation stone for a Rs 3,623 crore integrated secretariat and assembly complex in Bhubaneswar. The ambitious project aims to modernise the state’s administrative and legislative infrastructure and address long-standing space and safety constraints in existing government buildings.

Project Vision and Long-Term Planning

Planned over nearly 71 acres on the existing campus and adjoining areas, the integrated Lok Seva Bhawan and Vidhan Sabha complex is designed to meet Odisha’s governance needs for the next 50 years. The project draws inspiration from “Central Vista” in New Delhi. It factors in the expected increase in the number of MLAs following the delimitation exercise likely before the 2029 assembly elections.

Addressing Space Constraints in the Assembly

The Chief Minister noted that the present Odisha Vidhan Sabha can accommodate only three to four additional members. After delimitation, the strength of the House is expected to rise by around 50 members. The new central assembly hall will have seating capacity for about 300 members, anticipating an increase from the current 147 seats to nearly 196, with scope for further expansion in the future.

Modern Facilities and Administrative Efficiency

The existing Lok Seva Bhawan, built over 70 years ago, no longer meets safety and structural standards. Scattered departments, outdated electrical wiring, and ageing water pipelines have caused operational inefficiencies. The new composite complex will feature multiple vertical towers for the secretariat, basement parking, advanced security systems, and seamless interconnectivity between administrative and legislative blocks. The first phase is scheduled for completion within two years, with the detailed project report already prepared.

Imporatnt Facts for Exams

• Delimitation of assembly constituencies has been frozen since the 1971 Census.
• Odisha currently has 147 assembly seats, likely to increase post-delimitation.
• Central Vista is a major redevelopment project of India’s central administrative zone.
• Integrated secretariat complexes aim to improve governance efficiency.

Urban Mobility and Supporting Infrastructure

Alongside the secretariat project, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the 10-km Jaydev Vihar–Nandan Kanan elevated corridor, costing Rs 952 crore. The project includes four flyovers and a proposed cable-stayed bridge over NH-16 to ease congestion on one of Bhubaneswar’s busiest arterial roads, improving urban mobility and reducing travel time.