Odisha explores integrated University Township for Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Koraput
Odisha’s state government has begun exploring an integrated University Township that would combine education, research, skill development and industry, with Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput under consideration.
University Township in Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, Koraput soon
Odisha’s state government has begun exploring the development of an integrated University Township designed to bring together education, research, skill development, and industry. The ambitious project is currently considering Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Koraput as primary locations. The initiative was the focus of a high-level meeting chaired by the Chief Secretary of Odisha, which followed a proposal from the Central government to establish such townships through a challenge route under a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model. Officials emphasized that the plan envisions the creation of greenfield universities to modernize the state's academic landscape.
What does the proposed University Township entail?
The township is envisaged as a comprehensive integrated academic, research, skilling, and residential ecosystem. To ensure efficiency, it would be managed through a special purpose vehicle (SPV), allowing multiple institutions to share common infrastructure and services.
During the planning discussions, officials highlighted the possibility of establishing universities specifically specializing in mining and allied disciplines, a strategic move intended to leverage Odisha’s rich mineral resources. Specifically, the proposal discussed at the meeting suggests that eight greenfield universities could be established within the township, with each institution spread over 25 acres.
How will the project be funded and managed?
The project is proposed to be implemented under a PPP framework, with a tentative funding pattern of 60:40 between the Central and state governments. The Commissioner-cum-Secretary of the Higher Education Department provided a detailed presentation on the proposal and the potential pathways for its implementation within the state.
While the management structure through an SPV will oversee shared infrastructure, land acquisition, and maintenance, the state is still waiting for the formal guidelines for the scheme to be received from the Centre. These guidelines will be critical in defining the operational parameters of the PPP model.
Which areas are being considered for the township?
While Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur, and Koraput are currently under consideration, the discussions also looked at other potential sites. Earlier identifications for potential locations included Kamakhyanagar, Puri-Balukhanda, and Jatni-Tangi.
To ensure a multi-sectoral approach, the high-level meeting was attended by senior officials from the Development Commissioner’s office as well as representatives from several key departments: Housing and Urban Development, MSME, Higher Education, Industries, and Revenue and Disaster Management.
What happens next?
The next critical step is the receipt of the central government’s formal guidelines for the University Township scheme. Once these official guidelines are delivered, the state government will proceed with detailed planning and the formalization of the project's scope. Following this, a bidding process will be initiated to identify and bring in the private partners necessary to execute the PPP framework.
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What is the proposed University Township in Odisha?
It is an integrated academic, research, skilling and residential ecosystem that would bring together education, research, skill development and industry, with Bhubaneswar, Sambalpur and Koraput under consideration.
Who chaired the high-level meeting on the University Township?
The meeting was chaired by the Chief Secretary of Odisha.
How many greenfield universities are proposed within the township and what is their size?
Eight greenfield universities, each spread over 25 acres, are proposed within the township.
What funding pattern was discussed for the University Township project?
A tentative 60:40 funding pattern between the Central and state governments was discussed under a PPP framework.
Which other locations were initially identified as potential sites for the township?
Kamakhyanagar, Puri‑Balukhanda and Jatni‑Tangi were initially identified as potential locations during the discussions.
Which departments were represented at the meeting on the University Township?
Senior officials from the Development Commissioner’s office and the Housing and Urban Development, MSME, Higher Education, Industries, and Revenue and Disaster Management departments attended the meeting.
What is the current status of the central guidelines for the University Township scheme?
The formal guidelines for the scheme are yet to be received from the Centre.
Debraj Meher
District Correspondent, Sambalpur
Debraj Meher reports on Sambalpur district's civic affairs, the Hirakud dam command area, and the region's handloom economy. He has been the Mirror's Sambalpur correspondent since 2021.
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