Odisha govt to establish 21 New Urban Councils (NACs), unveils massive infrastructure push

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi marked the 79th Independence Day with a sweeping announcement to form 21 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) in the state, alongside ambitious infrastructure projects covering roads, ports, and urban growth. The move is aimed at accelerating development in regions where only 17% of the population currently lives in urban areas.

While addressing the gathering during the state-level Independence Day function in Bhubaneswar on Friday, CM Majhi said the new NACs will be strategically located to drive rapid growth and improve civic facilities. The councils will focus on upgrading sanitation, water supply, roads, and public amenities in emerging towns, laying the groundwork for long-term economic opportunities.

Ports And Highways For The Next Decade

The Chief Minister also outlined a plan to construct 75,000 km of high-quality roads over the next five years, complemented by four new ports at Inchudi, Bahuda, Subarnarekha, and Astaranga

The ports are expected to strengthen trade links and attract industrial investment, including from the state’s upcoming pharma manufacturing drive.

Earlier this year, the state Cabinet approved a Rs 1,000 crore disaster-resilient road programme, covering 500 km in cyclone- and flood-prone districts between 2025 and 2030. These roads will feature elevated embankments, reinforced protection walls, and high-level bridges to ensure connectivity during emergencies.

A separate Rs 426 crore scheme will upgrade rural roads in 142 constituencies, targeting completion by 2026–27.

The combination of NAC expansion, port construction, and road upgrades represents a coordinated push to link rural, urban, and industrial hubs.

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The Independence Day speech also reiterated Odisha’s commitment to industrialisation, including a planned Pharma Conclave to attract leading domestic and global drug manufacturers. Companies will be offered incentives to set up plants and research units in the state, a move projected to generate over 2.5 lakh jobs.