Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s capital is set for a major expansion as 71 villages on the city’s outskirts may soon come under the jurisdiction of the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). The proposal, now awaiting government approval, could significantly widen the civic body’s reach and transform the urban landscape.
Currently governed by rural panchayats, these villages lack access to many urban facilities despite being located close to the city. Following requests from local residents, the respective block development offices have submitted their resolutions to BMC, which will forward the proposal to the state government for a final decision.
Of the 71 villages, 66 belong to 12 panchayats under Bhubaneswar block, while one panchayat with one village falls under Balianta block and another with four villages under Jatni block. The civic body may either integrate these areas into adjoining wards or create new ones to manage the expanded jurisdiction. BMC currently has 67 wards, increased from 60 in 2013.
Some of the villages likely to be merged include Sijua, Tamando, Jagannathprasad, Andharua, Daspur, Dhauli, Kantabada, Mendhasala, Keshura, Raghunathpur, and Lingipur. Officials believe more villages could express interest in joining later, given the benefits of improved infrastructure and services.
The timing of this proposed merger aligns with the ambitious Bhubaneswar New City project — an 800-acre urban development designed by Singapore-based consultancy Surbana Jurong. The project envisions a sustainable and inclusive township that will serve as an economic hub with modern infrastructure, efficient drainage, and water management systems.
With the proposed merger and the upcoming smart township, Bhubaneswar is poised for another leap in its evolution from a planned city to a metropolitan region. The expansion reflects a broader push toward integrated, sustainable urban growth that connects the capital’s thriving core with its fast-developing peripheries.
Once approved, the initiative will not only extend BMC’s boundaries but also bring thousands of new residents under its fold — marking a significant step toward building a greener, smarter, and more inclusive Bhubaneswar.
