The 84th Annual Session of the Indian Road Congress (IRC) is set to take place in Bhubaneswar from November 7 to 10, 2025, marking the sixth time Odisha will host this prestigious event. The last IRC session in the state was held in 2015, marking its 75th edition.
The event, a significant gathering for road engineering professionals, will be held at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar, under the chairmanship of the Chief Secretary, who emphasised meticulous planning to ensure a seamless and disciplined organisation.
The Indian Road Congress, established in 1934, is a premier organisation for road engineers and professionals, playing a pivotal role in setting national standards for road construction, design, maintenance, management, and safety. The upcoming session will feature a technical exhibition on November 6, followed by a series of key meetings: the 235th Council Meeting on November 7, the 85th Highway Research Board Meeting on November 8, the 84th Business Meeting on November 9, and the 236th Council Meeting on November 10. Over 2,000 delegates from across India and local representatives are expected to participate.
The event will include daily technical sessions presenting research findings, alongside IRC agenda-driven activities. Evenings will feature cultural programs organised in collaboration with the Odisha Department of Language, Literature, and Culture, showcasing the state’s rich heritage. Post-conference, delegates can explore Odisha’s heritage and tourist sites at their own expense.
The first preparatory meeting of the State Advisory Committee, chaired by the Chief Secretary, was held to discuss arrangements, including traffic management around the venue, airport, and railway station. Plans include government protocol for VIPs and state guests, fire safety measures, emergency medical services, and help desks at the airport and railway station. The Public Works Department Secretary chairs the Organising Committee, supported by 18 sub-committees to ensure smooth execution.
Key attendees at the preparatory meeting included Development Commissioner-cum-Additional Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Additional Chief Secretary of General Administration and Public Grievance Surendra Kumar, Principal Secretary of Public Works Sanjay Kumar Singh, Commissioner-cum-Secretary of Tourism Balwant Singh, Secretary of Odia Language, Literature, and Culture Bijayaketan Upadhyaya, Vice-Chairman of BDA N. Thirumala Nayak, Transport Commissioner Amitabh Thakur, Bhubaneswar-Cuttack Police Commissioner S. Devadatta Singh, Special Secretary of Home R.K. Sharma, and senior officials from various departments.
