Odisha Reviews Parking Policy 2026, Urban Mobility Plan to Boost Sustainable Urban Governance
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has intensified its focus on sustainable urban development with a comprehensive review of key initiatives, including the proposed parking policy, urban mobility plan, and urban infrastructure funding mechanisms.
The review was chaired by Dr Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, Housing and Urban Development Minister, during a high-level departmental meeting in Bhubaneswar.
The meeting examined the draft Odisha Parking Policy 2026, designed to address mounting pressure on urban road infrastructure caused by the steady increase in vehicle ownership across cities.
The proposed policy seeks to establish a regulated, technology-driven parking management system aligned with the state’s broader vision of sustainable urban mobility.
According to officials, the policy emphasises efficient use of road space while prioritising pedestrians, cyclists, public transport users, emergency services, and persons with disabilities.
It aims to create a balanced urban transport ecosystem that supports accessibility and environmental sustainability.
Key provisions under the draft policy include the preparation of city-level Parking Master Plans, demand-based parking fees, differentiated pricing for on-street and off-street parking facilities, and adoption of digital permit systems.
Real-time parking information, electronic payment options, technology-enabled monitoring, and improved enforcement mechanisms have also been proposed.
The government is additionally focusing on integrating parking infrastructure with public transportation networks and promoting electric vehicle adoption through EV-ready parking facilities.
Shared-use parking models and localised parking management plans are also part of the proposed framework.
During the review, discussions were also held on the Urban Mobility Plan and the Urban Challenge Fund, both aimed at strengthening urban infrastructure planning and implementation.
The functioning of District Urban Development Agencies (DUDA) was assessed to improve institutional efficiency and enhance execution of urban development programmes across the state.
The proposed reforms are expected to support Odisha’s long-term goal of building organised, accessible, and livable urban centres through integrated planning, smart governance, and sustainable mobility solutions.
