Bhubaneswar Set for Major Expansion as 71 Villages Eye Inclusion in BMC
Bhubaneswar, Nov 2, 2025 — In a landmark move poised to reshape the urban landscape of Odisha’s capital, the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC) is preparing for a significant territorial expansion that could see 71 peripheral villages integrated into its administrative fold.
The proposed expansion comes in response to formal requests from local residents eager to access improved civic amenities and urban infrastructure. Block Development Officers (BDOs) from Bhubaneswar, Balianta, and Jatni blocks have submitted gram sabha resolutions to the BMC, signaling widespread community support for the merger. The proposal now awaits the Odisha state government’s final approval.
According to officials, the 71 villages under consideration include:
• 66 villages from 12 panchayats in the Bhubaneswar block
• 1 panchayat and 1 village from the Balianta block
• 1 panchayat comprising 4 villages from the Jatni block
Prominent areas such as Sijua, Tamando, Andharua, Daspur, Dhauli, Mendhasala, Keshura, Kantabada, Raghunathpur, and Lingipur are among those identified for inclusion. These regions have already witnessed rapid semi-urban development, making them prime candidates for integration.
Currently, BMC governs 67 wards, a structure last revised in 2013. With the proposed expansion, authorities are considering either enlarging existing wards or creating new ones to accommodate the incoming areas.
This expansion aligns with the ambitious Bhubaneswar New City project, a futuristic urban development initiative spanning approximately 800 acres across Gothapatna, Malipada, Daspur, and Andharua. The Odisha government has partnered with Surbana Jurong, a Singapore-based urban planning firm under Temasek Holdings, to design the master plan.
The New City aims to be a model of sustainable and inclusive urban growth, featuring:
• Mixed-use developments
• Modern residential clusters
• Expansive green corridors
• Enhanced public amenities
Officials emphasize that the project is a strategic step toward accommodating Bhubaneswar’s growing population while preserving environmental balance and promoting smart city principles.
As the city awaits the state’s nod, the proposed expansion marks a pivotal moment in Bhubaneswar’s evolution into a more inclusive and future-ready metropolis.
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