New Delhi, Feb 26: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the new Odisha Bhawan at Kautilya Marg in Chanakyapuri, New Delhi.
The ceremony was attended by Union Minister Jual Oram and Odisha Works Minister Prithivira Harichandan, formally marking the start of construction after the old building was demolished. The previous structure had been declared unsafe in an April 2024 report by the state Works Department and was pulled down later that year.
“Today, I laid the foundation stone for the new ‘Odisha Bhawan’ at Chanakyapuri in New Delhi. This building is not merely a government structure; it will provide a new identity to Odia pride in the national capital and serve as a centre of warmth and belonging for the Odia diaspora as well as the people of the state,” posted Majhi on X.
The upcoming G+6 Odisha Bhawan is being developed as a modern, sustainable facility that will serve as a state-of-the-art guest house for visiting dignitaries, government officials, and other guests. Blending contemporary design with elements of traditional Odia architecture, the building aims to stand out within the capital’s diplomatic enclave.
Spread across 4,761 square metres, the new complex will house 45 suites in general, executive, and VIP categories. It will also feature a conference hall, a modern kitchen, separate dining areas for executive and VIP guests, and a first-floor gallery dedicated to showcasing Odisha’s art and craft heritage.
At present, Odisha operates similar bhawans in Kolkata, Chennai, and Mumbai.
The Chief Minister further announced plans to establish additional Odisha Bhawans in Ayodhya, Bengaluru, Surat, and another facility in Mumbai. He also revealed a proposal for a ‘Jan Ashraya Bhawan’ in Bhubaneswar to provide affordable short-stay accommodation for people visiting from various districts.
The five-acre facility, to be developed near Master Canteen, will include a bus stand, showrooms, and shops, and will allow guests to stay for up to three days at a nominal charge.
