Bhubaneswar: The Odisha State Housing Board (OSHB) is set to accelerate the development of affordable and inclusive housing across the state, with several large-scale residential projects under implementation and plans to expand its activities to all district headquarters.

The roadmap was discussed at a comprehensive review meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary of the Housing and Urban Development Department, Usha Padhee, at Kharavel Bhawan in Bhubaneswar.

During the meeting, OSHB Managing Director and Special Secretary, Housing and Urban Development Department, Gangadhar Nayak, presented the Board's achievements and future plans. He informed that OSHB has developed 32,343 housing units, shops and plots across 21 districts, catering to Economically Weaker Sections (EWS), Low Income Group (LIG), Middle Income Group (MIG) and High Income Group (HIG) beneficiaries. More than 20,000 units have been developed in Khordha district alone.

Over Rs 517 crore investment in ongoing projects

The review highlighted five major ongoing projects involving a cumulative investment of more than Rs 517 crore and comprising 1,484 housing units.

Among them, the Kharavela Enclave project at Jagamara in Bhubaneswar, developed at a cost of Rs 62.51 crore, has reached the handover stage. Out of 104 HIG apartments, 30 have already been handed over to allottees.

The Anugul Enclave Housing Project, with an investment of Rs 164.55 crore, will provide 613 dwelling units. Construction of 228 units has been completed, with possession expected by December 2026. The remaining units are scheduled for completion by December 2027.

The Subhadra Enclave Housing Project at Dumduma, Bhubaneswar, involving an investment of Rs 73.40 crore, will provide 198 housing units primarily targeted at EWS, LIG and MIG beneficiaries.

The Vasudev Vihar Plotted Development Scheme at Andharua, costing Rs 27.27 crore, will create 206 residential plots, with possession expected to begin from July 2026.

Meanwhile, the Gadakana Housing Project in Bhubaneswar, being developed at a cost of Rs 189.29 crore, will provide 363 housing units along with commercial spaces. The project is expected to be launched in July 2026 after receiving statutory approvals and ORERA registration.

Nearly 6,900 new housing units planned

The Board also reviewed four major projects proposed for 2026-27, which are expected to create nearly 6,877 dwelling units.

The proposed Suango Public-Private Partnership (PPP) Project near AIIMS Bhubaneswar will be developed over 12.9 acres and is expected to provide 2,867 housing units, including 1,034 affordable homes.

The Ranasinghpur EPC Housing Project, spread over 5.78 acres, is planned with an estimated investment of around Rs 397 crore and will provide 1,262 housing units.

Similarly, the Patrapada Housing Project will create 2,510 dwelling units, including 820 affordable housing units, through an e-bidding model.

At Rourkela, the proposed Basanti Colony Joint Venture Residential Apartment Project will offer 238 MIG and HIG apartments.

Statewide social housing expansion planned

A key focus of the review meeting was OSHB's vision to expand affordable housing projects to all district headquarters across Odisha. The Board informed that it has sought allocation of suitable government land from district administrations to facilitate social and affordable housing projects.

Reviewing the proposal, Usha Padhee directed OSHB to prepare a time-bound action plan with clear identification of land parcels, project models and beneficiary categories.

She emphasised that social housing should become a core priority of the Board to meet the growing housing needs of economically weaker and lower-income urban families.

OSHB emerges debt-free

The review also highlighted the Board's improved financial health. OSHB has become a debt-free organisation and recorded a surplus of Rs 18.40 crore during 2024-25. It also reported a provisional surplus of Rs 25.50 crore during 2025-26.

As of March 31, 2026, the Board's available fund position stood at Rs 37.42 crore.

The meeting further reviewed issues related to freehold conversion, encroachment removal, external infrastructure, road connectivity and statutory clearances. Officials were directed to resolve project bottlenecks on priority to ensure timely completion.

Chairing the meeting, Padhee stressed speedy execution of housing projects, transparent allotment procedures, strict compliance with ORERA norms and a stronger focus on affordable housing, reiterating the state's commitment to providing quality and sustainable housing for urban residents across Odisha.