Bhubaneswar: In a significant stride toward accelerating Odisha’s urban transformation, the Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Department has recorded its highest-ever development expenditure in the last five years, reaching ₹8575.61 crore as of March 31, 2026. This marks a steady and encouraging rise from ₹6,996.92 crore in 2022–23, underscoring a sustained commitment to strengthening urban infrastructure and civic services across the state.

This notable achievement reflects the cohesive efforts of “Team Urban,” under the guidance of  Minister H&UD, Krushna Chandra Mahapatra, whose emphasis on outcome-oriented governance and citizen-centric urban services has set the strategic direction for the Department. The steady administrative leadership of Usha  Padhee, Additional Chief Secretary H&UD, has ensured rigorous monitoring, timely execution, and effective translation of these priorities into tangible outcomes on the ground.

The Department has demonstrated marked improvement in financial efficiency, achieving an overall utilization rate of 86.50%, a significant increase from 73.47% in the previous fiscal year. This reflects a clear shift toward ensuring that budgetary allocations are effectively translated into tangible outcomes on the ground.

 A key driver of this performance has been the remarkable progress under State Sector Schemes. Expenditure under these schemes has risen sharply from ₹2,676.15 crore in 2022–23 to ₹4,285.45 crore in the current fiscal, with an impressive utilization rate of 98.18%, compared to 82.92% last year. This surge highlights the growing strength of the Department’s internal project execution mechanisms, further reinforced by continuous review and hands-on guidance at the highest administrative level.

The Department has also sustained exemplary performance in devolving funds to Urban Local Bodies (ULBs). State Finance Commission transfers have achieved near-total utilization of 99.70% for the fourth consecutive year, amounting to ₹1,489.51 crore. 

In Centrally Sponsored Schemes, the Department has demonstrated a strong recovery, with expenditure rising to ₹1144 crore from ₹595.95 crore in the previous year. This turnaround signals renewed momentum in leveraging central partnerships to advance Odisha’s urban development agenda.

Looking ahead, the H&UD Department is poised for an even more ambitious phase, with a Budget Estimate of ₹10,726.87 crore for 2026–27—the highest in the past five years. This forward-looking allocation reflects a clear vision to not only sustain but significantly expand urban infrastructure and service delivery across the state.

With a balanced approach that integrates efficient financial management with high-impact developmental spending, and under the steadfast leadership of Smt. Usha Padhee, the Department continues to chart a resilient and future-ready pathway for urban growth—firmly aligned with the vision of a Viksit Odisha.