Odisha to get new Secretariat and Assembly buildings; renovation work begins ahead of President’s probable visit

Odisha has approved a major redesign of its administrative and legislative complex, with the state government giving in-principle clearance for constructing new Secretariat and Assembly buildings.

The decision was taken at a high-level meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, marking the start of one of the largest public infrastructure upgrades undertaken in the state in recent years, stated The New Indian Express.

Integrated Secretariat to Replace Dispersed Offices

The new Secretariat will reportedly be developed on the lines of New Delhi’s Central Secretariat model, with every department set to receive a dedicated chamber, lobby and meeting hall.

The first phase of construction will include a 12-storey Secretariat-cum-Mantralaya (three basements, ground, and 11 floors) adjacent to Kharvela Bhawan and the OSEPA campus. A three-level underground parking block will be created in front of Lok Seva Bhawan.

Another 12-storey office complex will come up between the Police Commissionerate and Nirman Soudha to accommodate departments that must be shifted during construction, added the TNIE reports.

Several offices located within the redevelopment zone have reportedly been asked to identify vacant government premises or take temporary space on rent. The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited has been tasked with preparing the detailed project report and cost estimates.

New Assembly to Be Taken Up After Phase I

Once the first phase is underway, the focus will shift to the new Assembly complex. Plans include a structure with three basements, a ground floor and a single-storey hall, supported by an annexe Secretariat building and a service block

The new Assembly building is expected to come into operation after the state receives approval to establish a Vidhan Parishad. Under the proposal, the Assembly will shift to the new complex while the existing building will be used for the Legislative Council.

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Possible Visit by President Murmu

The redevelopment plans come as the Assembly premises undergo separate refurbishment. Law and Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan said preparations have begun for a possible visit by President Droupadi Murmu towards the end of November, which could mark her first address to the Odisha Assembly since assuming office.

While the official itinerary from Rashtrapati Bhavan is awaited, the Assembly Secretariat has started upgrading the chamber traditionally used by the President and carrying out other interior work in anticipation of the winter session.