Bhubaneswar, Mar 7: The Odisha government has unveiled an ambitious plan to transform the state’s urban landscape under the Mukhyamantri Sahari Bikash Yojana (MSBY).

At a high-level ULB meeting chaired by Housing and Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, the government announced that slums across cities will be cleared, with residents provided government housing. Vacated land will be repurposed for modern market complexes, ensuring better infrastructure and organized urban growth.

The minister issued a stern warning against corruption, stating that anyone found involved in malpractice will face vigilance action. Stressing on Odisha government’s vow to make cities cleaner and more liveable, roadside makeshift shops and encroachments will be removed.

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The MSBY scheme aims to create modern, sustainable, and prosperous cities across Odisha. With a five-year budget allocation of ₹6,000 crore, ₹1,200 crore has been earmarked for the 2025-26 financial year alone.

Over 7,800 projects have already been approved, including more than 200 projects valued above ₹1 crore. On Saturday, 181 projects were inaugurated and foundation stones laid for 681 others.

So far, tenders have been issued for 4,685 projects, and work orders have been released for 2,735. The plan also includes over 100 cattle shelters, 40 office buildings, more than 100 market complexes, and 10 EV charging stations.

H&UD Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra highlighted that 47 municipal bodies have already inaugurated or laid foundations for 862 development projects. The initiative is expected to reshape Odisha’s cities with modern infrastructure, improved housing, and better civic amenities, while ensuring transparency and accountability in execution.