Bhubaneswar: On Monday, Odisha’s Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi inaugurated 593 urban development initiatives with a total investment of ₹323 crore, impacting 62 cities and towns.

Additionally, he revealed a ₹560 crore investment plan aimed at developing 28 new Notified Area Councils (NACs) within the state.

“I urge municipal administration officials to guarantee that residents receive the services they are entitled to without unnecessary delays. It’s essential to reform the outdated system that requires citizens to make multiple trips to government offices,” Majhi stated.

His remarks came during a ceremony marking the State-Level Local Self-Governance Day.

The Chief Minister emphasized the importance of leveraging technology and online systems to enhance operational efficiency within municipal services.

He articulated a vision for transforming cities into smart urban areas by integrating academic research into development strategies.

Among the 593 projects, 423 completed initiatives amounting to approximately ₹102 crore were launched, while foundations were laid for 170 new projects, collectively valued at ₹221 crore.

These initiatives encompass the enhancement of roads, civic facilities, and related infrastructure, according to an official source.

Each NAC is set to receive ₹20 crore for improvements in roads, housing, and other essential infrastructure, as noted by Majhi.

“Our objective is to develop cities as economic hubs, creating new opportunities for youth, fostering entrepreneurial growth, and generating jobs,” he added.

During the event, memorandums of understanding were also signed to enhance the capabilities of municipal bodies.