Sambalpur,18th Nov 2025: Sambalpur is set to become Odisha’s third smart city. Preparations have begun to develop this major city of western Odisha, which is prominent like Rourkela, into a smart city following Bhubaneswar and Rourkela.
The Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) has advised the Odisha government to prepare master plans for smaller cities with populations ranging from 2 to 10 lakh, ensuring scientific and sustainable development. This has created renewed hope for Sambalpur’s modernization.
Last August, Taruṇ Kapoor, advisor to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, during his visit to Sambalpur, assessed ongoing infrastructure and tourism projects. Based on that assessment, on the 9th of [the month], the Odisha government received specific instructions to proceed.
The focus is particularly on developing Sambalpur into a model city, emphasizing its environment, tourism, transport, and infrastructure. The PMO has advised the state government to prepare a master plan considering transportation, environmental sustainability, tourism, and foundational infrastructure.
Furthermore, the PMO suggested involving national stakeholders, including the National Thermal Power Corporation (NTPC), Mahanadi Coalfields Limited (MCL), and relevant government departments, to draft a comprehensive master plan and development strategy.
Sambalpur’s rich cultural heritage, its art centers in Jharsuguda, and the presence of prominent educational institutions such as IIM, VSSUT, and Sambalpur University make it essential to develop the city in a modern style.
Currently, the city faces traffic congestion, limited urban amenities, and environmental pressures. The lack of modern facilities is increasingly evident due to rising population and infrastructural strain.
To address these issues, the plans include modern healthcare, tourism-friendly infrastructure, and an air connectivity network—such as a heli-pad and flights connecting Raipur to Sambalpur—to enhance accessibility for residents and tourists alike.
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