Odisha CM Lays Foundation for ₹3,623 Cr Integrated Secretariat–Assembly Complex

Odisha to Get Integrated Secretariat–Assembly Complex as CM Lays Foundation Stone

Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has laid the foundation stone for a ₹3,623 crore integrated Secretariat and Legislative Assembly complex in Bhubaneswar, marking a major step towards modernising the state’s administrative and legislative infrastructure. The project is intended to overcome long-standing space shortages, safety concerns, and functional inefficiencies in existing government buildings.

Vision for Future-Ready Governance

The proposed integrated complex—comprising a new Lok Seva Bhawan and Vidhan Sabha —will be developed across nearly 71 acres within the existing campus and adjoining land parcels. Designed to cater to Odisha’s governance requirements for the next five decades , the project is inspired by the Central Vista redevelopment model.

Planning has factored in the anticipated increase in the number of legislators following the next delimitation exercise , expected before the 2029 Assembly elections.

Expanding Assembly Capacity Post-Delimitation

The Chief Minister highlighted that the current Odisha Legislative Assembly has limited scope for expansion and can accommodate only a few additional members. With delimitation likely to increase the House strength by nearly 50 members , the new central assembly hall will provide seating for around 300 MLAs .

Odisha’s Assembly strength is expected to rise from 147 seats to nearly 196 , with structural flexibility built in for further expansion if required in the future.

Modern Infrastructure and Administrative Efficiency

The existing Lok Seva Bhawan, constructed over 70 years ago , no longer meets contemporary safety and functional standards. Issues such as dispersed departments, ageing electrical systems, and obsolete water pipelines have adversely affected efficiency.

The new integrated complex will feature:

• High-rise vertical towers for secretariat departments

• Basement and multi-level parking facilities

• Advanced surveillance and security systems

• Seamless internal connectivity between administrative and legislative wings

According to officials, the first phase of construction is expected to be completed within two years , with the detailed project report already finalised.

Supporting Urban Mobility Projects

In addition to the secretariat complex, the Chief Minister also laid the foundation stone for the Jaydev Vihar–Nandan Kanan elevated corridor , a 10-km project costing ₹952 crore . The corridor will include four flyovers and a proposed cable-stayed bridge over NH-16 , aimed at easing traffic congestion on one of Bhubaneswar’s busiest arterial routes and improving overall urban mobility.

Key Exam-Focused Points

• Delimitation of Assembly constituencies has been frozen since the 1971 Census .

• Odisha currently has 147 MLAs , with numbers likely to increase post-delimitation.

• The new Assembly hall will seat