Urban boom: From coast to core, across ports and plains, Odisha is scripting a new urban story

That announcement was swiftly followed by the creation of 28 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) and the elevation of seven NACs to municipalities, marking a decisive shift in the state’s urban governance landscape. “We are not just expanding boundaries,” Majhi said. “We are expanding opportunities, infrastructure and aspirations.” One can expect more towns in the days to come as Odisha plans a massive shift from its rural character to urban. With over 80% of its population still living in villages, Odisha’s urbanisation rate stands at a modest 17%, well below the national average of 31%. But the state is now aiming high — 40% urbanisation by 2036 and 60% by 2047, outpacing the national ambition of 51% by then, in line with its Vision 2047 roadmap. The transformation is anchored i