Bhubaneswar: Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has commenced a major beautification and landscaping project along Janpath, one of the busiest and most prominent roads in the Odisha capital, with the aim of transforming it into a greener, cooler and more visually appealing urban corridor.

The initiative is designed to enhance the city's environmental sustainability while improving the overall aesthetics of the avenue. As Bhubaneswar grapples with rising temperatures associated with rapid urbanisation, BSCL is adopting nature-based solutions to mitigate the Urban Heat Island effect.

Under the project, large shade-providing trees will be planted along Janpath to help reduce surface temperatures, improve pedestrian comfort and create a more pleasant urban environment throughout the year.

Speaking about the initiative, BSCL Managing Director Chanchal Rana said the project would significantly boost the city's green cover while contributing to better air quality, urban biodiversity and groundwater recharge.

"Besides helping reduce heat, the trees and plants will improve air quality, support urban biodiversity and allow better rainwater absorption into the ground. Several hard surfaces along the stretch are being replaced with planting beds and landscaped areas to create a more sustainable urban environment," Rana said.

Tabebuia, Rudrapalash and Amaltas trees to transform Bhubaneswar's Janpath

A key highlight of the project is the plantation of rows of Tabebuia rosea, renowned for its vibrant pink blossoms. The flowering trees are expected to create striking seasonal landscapes and emerge as a major visual attraction for residents and visitors alike.

The central medians will also be adorned with Rudrapalash (Spathodea) trees bearing bright red flowers, complementing the existing yellow-flowering Amaltas trees. In addition, ornamental shrubs such as Hamelia and Acalypha, along with groundcover species like Rhoeo, will be introduced to add colour and texture to the corridor.

The beautification plan also includes the development of 10 public plazas at strategic locations across the city. These include areas around Ekamrakshetra, Master Canteen traffic islands, the underside of the Rajmahal Flyover, the frontages of IDCO Tower and OPTCL, among others.

Inspired by Odisha's rich cultural heritage and traditions, the plazas will serve as community spaces for public gatherings, cultural programmes and events such as Patha Utsav.

Officials said the beautification and landscaping work is expected to be completed by August this year.

Once finished, the revamped Janpath is expected to emerge as one of Bhubaneswar's most attractive urban landmarks, offering a blend of greenery, public spaces and cultural vibrancy while contributing to a more climate-resilient city.