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Paperman Media। Bhubaneswar, November 6
Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra on Friday reviewed the progress of key developmental initiatives and priority programmes of the department at a high-level meeting held at Kharavel Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.
Additional Chief Secretary, Housing & Urban Development Department, Smt. Usha Padhee; Director of Municipal Administration Shri Arindam Dakua; Special Secretary Shri Gangadhar Naik and Shri Binaya Kumar Dash, along with Additional Secretaries and other senior officials, attended the meeting.
The review focused on major initiatives, including the Draft Odisha Parking Policy 2026, Urban Mobility Plan, Urban Challenge Fund and the functioning of District Urban Development Agencies (DUDAs).
During the presentation on the Draft Odisha Parking Policy 2026, officials discussed a comprehensive framework to improve parking management in urban areas amid the growing number of vehicles and increasing pressure on limited road space. The proposed policy aims to integrate parking management with sustainable urban mobility, ensuring better utilisation of infrastructure while promoting pedestrian convenience and public transport.
The policy envisages priority for pedestrians, cyclists, persons with disabilities, emergency services and public transport. It also proposes city-level Parking Master Plans, neighbourhood-specific Parking Area Management Plans, demand-based parking charges, digital permits, real-time parking information and electronic payment facilities.
Other key provisions include shared utilisation of parking facilities, EV-ready parking spaces and integration of parking infrastructure with public transport and non-motorised transport systems. Special arrangements are also proposed for commercial centres, hospitals, educational institutions, residential areas, industrial zones and transport hubs.
The meeting also reviewed the Urban Mobility Plan and Urban Challenge Fund, focusing on strengthening urban infrastructure planning and implementation. The functioning of DUDA offices was discussed with emphasis on institutional efficiency and effective execution of development programmes.
The review aimed at strengthening inter-departmental coordination and accelerating urban development across Odisha, with a focus on creating accessible, organised, sustainable and liveable cities.
