Odisha Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan announced that the nine-storey ‘Na Tala’ building in Bhubaneswar will be demolished after being declared structurally unsafe.
The building currently houses directorates of several state government departments.
Harichandan stated that Sech Sadan and Rajiv Bhavan have also been identified as unsafe. These structures will be taken down to pave the way for a modern administrative complex.
New Lok Seva Bhavan in Phases
The Minister said the new Lok Seva Bhavan will be constructed in three phases. In the first phase, the main office building will be built near Kharavela Bhavan. All government offices will be consolidated within a single campus near the ADM office at Power House Square and close to the OSEPA office.
Assembly Building to Be Preserved
Harichandan clarified that the existing Odisha Legislative Assembly building will not be demolished. Instead, it will be preserved as a heritage structure and converted into a museum. If a Legislative Council is formed in the future, the building could serve that purpose.
New Assembly for Future Needs
A new Assembly building with a seating capacity for 300 members will be constructed between Lok Seva Bhavan and the current Assembly. This plan aligns with the state’s long-term vision, anticipating an increase in MLAs after future delimitation.
Integrated Campus Vision
Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi earlier said the Assembly strength may rise from 147 to nearly 200 in the coming years. The new Assembly and Lok Seva Bhavan are being designed for expansion over the next 50 to 100 years.
The integrated complex will cover 71 acres, inspired by Central Vista-style design, with modern facilities including underground parking. The estimated project cost exceeds Rs 3,600 crore.
