Cuttack, Feb 26: In an effort to preserve the historical charm of Cuttack, while addressing the challenges of modern urbanization, the Cuttack Development Authority (CDA) has officially implemented the Planning & Building Standard Regulations for the Old Areas, 2026. The new framework, announced today through a Gazette Notification, is designed to cater to the unique needs of Cuttack’s core historic neighbourhoods.

The regulations will apply to 43 wards in the old city, recognizing the area's organic growth, characterized by narrow lanes, limited plot sizes, congestion, fragmented land parcels, and inadequate parking spaces. These challenges have long made it difficult to apply the standard Odisha Development Authorities (Planning & Building Standards) Rules, 2020, in the region.

By formalizing these context-sensitive guidelines, the CDA aims to balance redevelopment with cultural preservation. The new rules introduce several practical relaxations, including the reduction of the minimum access road width to 4.5 meters for small residential plots, adjusted setback requirements for non-high-rise buildings, and recalibrated Floor Area Ratio (FAR) limits to better suit the dense, traditional built environment.

This initiative is in line with the Third Amendment to the Odisha Development Authorities (Planning & Building Standards) Rules and is designed to promote redevelopment on smaller plots, enhance accessibility, facilitate organized parking, alleviate traffic congestion, and simplify the approval and regularization processes for residents. These measures provide legal clarity and encourage sustainable growth while preserving the city’s historical character.

The Gazette Notification represents a significant step toward making Cuttack’s historic core more livable, resilient, and economically vibrant, ensuring that its cultural legacy remains intact for future generations.