Bhubaneswar, Sep 20: The Odisha government has begun planning for the construction of a new Lok Seva Bhawan in the state capital, aiming to address infrastructure limitations of the existing facility.

The Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited (OBCC) has been assigned the responsibility of developing a comprehensive master plan for the project.

Speaking in the State Assembly on Saturday, Works Minister Prithiviraj Harichandan informed that OBCC is currently working on an expanded version of the proposed plan. Once finalized, a detailed cost estimate will be prepared and submitted for government approval.

Responding to a query from Basta MLA Subasini Jena, the minister emphasized the need for a new building, citing the age and limitations of the current Lok Seva Bhawan, which is 68 years old and faces severe parking shortages.