Dholera Smart City has emerged as a benchmark for futuristic urban development in India, showcasing how strategic planning, sustainable design, and global collaboration can transform landscapes. Following this model, Odisha is now set to embrace a similar vision with the development of a modern “New City” near Bhubaneswar. The project aims to combine world-class infrastructure, eco-friendly planning, and advanced urban facilities, positioning Odisha as a leader in India’s smart city movement.
The Bhubaneswar New City initiative is being developed under the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model, with the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA) serving as the nodal agency. The city is expected to reshape the urban environment, generate significant employment, and create new opportunities in real estate and commerce—mirroring the success of Dholera Smart City in Gujarat.
A Vision Inspired by Dholera Smart City
The concept of Odisha’s New City is heavily inspired by Dholera Smart City, India’s first and largest greenfield smart city. Just like Dholera, the Bhubaneswar project is being planned with a sustainable master plan, advanced connectivity, and dedicated zones for residential, commercial, and industrial development.
To ensure global standards, the Odisha government has partnered with Surbana Jurong Pvt Ltd, a Singapore-based urban consultancy firm, to design the master plan. International real estate consultancy JLL India is also analyzing market feasibility, ensuring the project attracts both investors and future residents.
This approach mirrors Dholera’s strategy, where international expertise played a vital role in crafting a city that balances economy, technology, and sustainability.
Strategic Location and Area
The New City will cover approximately 789 acres across Gothapatna, Malipada, and Dashpur villages near Tamando, just outside Bhubaneswar. The initial plan considered 800+ acres, but minor adjustments were made due to forest land restrictions.
Its strategic location offers excellent connectivity:
| Feature | Distance from New City |
|---|---|
| Biju Patnaik International Airport | 12 km |
| Bhubaneswar Railway Station | 14 km |
| Baramunda Bus Terminal | 8 km |
| NH-16 | 7 km |
This proximity to major transportation hubs ensures smooth movement for residents, businesses, and industries—a key factor that has also contributed to Dholera Smart City’s attractiveness to investors.
Key Features and Modern Amenities
Bhubaneswar’s New City is designed to offer urban facilities comparable to international standards. Preliminary plans highlight:
- Commercial Space: 65 lakh sq. ft. for offices, malls, and retail hubs.
- IT and Technology Zones: 24 lakh sq. ft., fostering a tech-friendly ecosystem.
- Administrative Complexes: Efficient governance hubs for smooth city operations.
- Educational Institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities to support a learning ecosystem.
- Healthcare Facilities: Modern hospitals and research centers to ensure public health.
- Industrial Units: Promoting manufacturing and local production.
- Recreational Infrastructure: Sports complexes, libraries, and cultural centers.
- Green Spaces: 45% green belt ensuring eco-friendly and sustainable urbanization.
- Transport Services: Comprehensive regional transport connecting internal and external city areas.
Much like Dholera Smart City, the Bhubaneswar project focuses on balanced growth, integrating economic development with environmental sustainability.
Economic Impact and Job Creation
The New City is projected to create over one lakh jobs across multiple sectors, including IT, real estate, administration, manufacturing, and services. By combining commercial, residential, and industrial zones, the city aims to attract national and international businesses.
The Odisha government has already sanctioned ₹200 crore for initial infrastructure, including roads and boundary development, laying the groundwork for substantial investment in the coming years.
This employment potential reflects Dholera Smart City’s success, which has become a hub for industries such as defense, aviation, solar energy, and logistics.
Funding and Financial Model
The Bhubaneswar New City is financed through a sustainable PPP model:
- Central Government Contribution: 25%
- Odisha State Government Contribution: 25%
- Private Investments and Loans: 50%
This model is reminiscent of Dholera Smart City’s financial planning, where government support helped attract global investors and private companies.
Role of International Expertise
Surbana Jurong’s involvement underscores Odisha’s ambition to replicate Dholera’s global-standard planning. The Singapore-based firm is renowned for its sustainable city projects worldwide, ensuring that Bhubaneswar’s New City is designed with foresight and efficiency.
Meanwhile, JLL India’s market feasibility studies aim to attract investors by validating the city’s commercial and residential potential. Dholera Smart City gained traction similarly, relying on expert recommendations to boost investor confidence.
Challenges and Opportunities
While promising, the New City faces a few challenges:
- Land Acquisition and Forest Clearances: Minor reductions in area due to environmental regulations.
- Sustainable Growth: Ensuring development does not harm local ecosystems.
- Investor Attraction: Drawing initial investors during early construction phases.
Despite these challenges, the opportunities are substantial. With strategic location, government backing, and global expertise, Bhubaneswar’s New City is poised to become a landmark urban hub in Eastern India, much like Dholera Smart City in Western India.
National Significance and Smart City Push
The Central Government has approved Bhubaneswar as one of the eight cities for new city development nationwide. This positions Odisha as a frontrunner in India’s broader mission to create futuristic smart cities.
Dholera Smart City has demonstrated that well-planned urban projects can deliver business opportunities, housing, and employment. By following a similar approach, Odisha ensures that its citizens benefit from modern infrastructure and improved quality of life.
Future Outlook
Experts predict that within the next 10–15 years, Bhubaneswar’s New City will emerge as a thriving hub for business, IT, and modern living. The combination of eco-friendly design, international expertise, and government support will ensure long-term growth.
With over 789 acres under development, the city has the potential to replicate—or even surpass—the achievements of Dholera Smart City in Gujarat.
Also read: Dholera International Airport: India’s Emerging Global Aviation Hub
Conclusion
Bhubaneswar’s upcoming New City is more than just a construction project—it is a vision for India’s urban future. Inspired by the success of Dholera Smart City, the project integrates sustainability, technology, and international planning expertise.
From generating over one lakh jobs to offering modern housing, industrial zones, IT hubs, and green spaces, the New City promises to redefine urban development in Odisha.
As India continues to embrace smart city initiatives, Bhubaneswar’s New City is set to become a shining example of progress, much like Dholera Smart City has become a model for Gujarat.
