Odisha Charts Vision for Future-Ready Cities at Urban Policy Dialogues 2025

Bhubaneshwar, Nov 27: Odisha is advancing a vision for sustainable, climate-resilient, and citizen-centric urban development, state officials highlighted at the Urban Policy Dialogues 2025 in Bengaluru.

Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Housing & Urban Development Department, emphasized the need for urban planning that is future-proof, socially inclusive, and adaptable to demographic and environmental transitions. Speaking at the session titled “Addressing Urban India’s Brewing Stranded Asset Crisis”, she noted, “Cities are not just physical constructs—they are living ecosystems of people, aspirations, and opportunities. Our approach must ensure cities are future-ready, climate-resilient, and designed to deliver dignity and a better quality of life for every citizen.”

During her visit, Padhee held strategic discussions with the Chief Commissioner of the Greater Bengaluru Authority, focusing on governance structures, institutional strengthening, and the development of metropolitan regions as economic engines and innovation hubs.

Reaffirming Odisha’s commitment to reform-oriented, technology-enabled, and community-partnered urban growth, she stated that the state remains focused on building cities that empower residents, ensuring equitable opportunities and a sustainable urban future.