Odisha Government Scrutinizes Real Estate Approvals in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
The Odisha government has initiated a comprehensive review of permissions granted for approach roads to real estate projects in Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, following a major controversy involving a project that cited railway land as an access route.
Real EstateBhubaneswarCuttackApproach RoadsProject ApprovalReal EstateJun 24, 2025
The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) department directed all planning authorities, including the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC), to submit detailed records on the projects they have approved. The details sought include building plan approvals, names of the planning officers involved, land schedules, specifications of access roads, and no objection certificates (NOCs) obtained for using land that is not part of the project.
The government also reiterated that the use of private, Scheduled Caste (SC), or Scheduled Tribe (ST) land as approach roads must be backed by a registered deed of conveyance prior to any approval. This stringent requirement aims to prevent any future irregularities and ensure transparency in the real estate sector.
The urgency of the crackdown is underscored by a recent case involving the project ‘HN Courtyard’ in Gadakana. The Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) revoked the project's registration after discovering that its approach road was on railway land. Last year, the Directorate of Estates had sought clarifications from both BDA and BMC for allegedly facilitating such access routes without prior clearance from the General Administration (GA) department and collecting security deposits in the process.
To strengthen oversight and ensure better regulation, the Housing and Urban Development department issued a new directive mandating all planning authorities, including the BMC, to inform ORERA whenever they approve housing or plotting projects. In response, ORERA’s chairperson submitted an eight-point recommendation to the chief secretary, highlighting gaps in the monitoring process. One of the key suggestions was for planning bodies to routinely notify ORERA of project approvals, enabling the authority to track the developers' activities post-approval. The Chief Secretary subsequently held a high-level meeting with officials from the housing department and issued directions accordingly.
This comprehensive review and the new directives aim to enhance transparency and accountability in the real estate sector, protecting the interests of homebuyers and ensuring that developers adhere to regulatory norms. The government's proactive approach is expected to restore confidence in the market and promote sustainable development in the Twin City of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main reason for the Odisha government's review of real estate project approvals?
The main reason is a major controversy involving a real estate project that cited railway land as an access route, leading to the cancellation of the project's registration and putting homebuyers’ investments at risk.
Which authorities are required to submit detailed records of approved real estate projects?
The Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC), Cuttack Development Authority (CDA), and Cuttack Municipal Corporation (CMC) are required to submit detailed records.
What specific details are being sought from the planning authorities?
The details sought include building plan approvals, names of the planning officers involved, land schedules, specifications of access roads, and no objection certificates (NOCs) obtained for using land that is not part of the project.
What is the requirement for using private, SC, or ST land as approach roads?
The use of private, SC, or ST land as approach roads must be backed by a registered deed of conveyance prior to any approval.
What new directive has the Housing and Urban Development department issued to planning authorities?
The new directive mandates all planning authorities to inform the Odisha Real Estate Regulatory Authority (ORERA) whenever they approve housing or plotting projects.
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