Bhubaneswar, June 8: In a major boost to Odisha’s cultural and artistic landscape, the Central Government has approved the establishment of a branch of the National Gallery of Modern Art (NGMA) in Bhubaneswar. The ambitious project is expected to be developed at an estimated cost of ₹630 crore.
The announcement follows sustained efforts by Bhubaneswar MP Aparajita Sarangi, who had raised the proposal with Union Culture Minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat during a meeting in September 2024. She had also submitted a formal letter to the minister on September 10, 2024, requesting the establishment of an NGMA branch in the Odisha capital.
Subsequently, Sarangi met Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi and urged him to support the proposal. Acting on the request, the Chief Minister wrote to the Union Culture Minister on September 25, 2024, backing the demand for setting up the prestigious art institution in Bhubaneswar.
According to Sarangi, she continued to pursue the matter with the Central Government over the past several months. Her efforts have now yielded results, with the Centre formally communicating its approval through a letter dated May 29, 2026.
The proposed NGMA branch in Bhubaneswar is expected to serve as a major cultural hub, promoting modern and contemporary art while providing a platform for artists, researchers, students, and art enthusiasts across eastern India.
Sarangi expressed gratitude to the Central Government for accepting the proposal and said the Odisha Government would soon complete the necessary formalities required for the implementation of the project. The gallery is expected to significantly enhance the state's cultural infrastructure and strengthen Bhubaneswar’s position as a centre for art and heritage.
