The Odisha government has formally sought central assistance to establish a state-of-the-art Science City in Bhubaneswar aiming to transform the capital into an eastern hub for scientific innovation and public engagement with science stated a release from the Press Bureau of India.
The move is part of a broader vision under the Viksit Odisha 2036 roadmap aimed at scaling up scientific infrastructure and building a future-ready knowledge economy.
In a high-level meeting held in New Delhi on July 3 Odisharsquos Minister for Science Technology Krushna Chandra Patra presented the proposal to Union Minister of State for Science Technology Dr. Jitendra Singh.
Odisha has already earmarked 100 acres of prime land in the capital for the project which will be modelled on the lines of existing science cities in Kolkata and Hyderabad as per an earlier update shared by Minister Patra in May.
Further the proposed Science City will serve as an interactive hub featuring immersive exhibits discovery zones for students and dedicated spaces for research and innovation.
It is envisioned as a space that fosters scientific temper offers hands-on education and bridges the gap between science and society.
Central Government Indicates Positive Response
Responding to the pitch Dr. Jitendra Singh expressed appreciation for the proposal and assured that due consideration would be given.
He directed officials to explore the next steps in coordination with national science institutions and ministries. He also emphasised the importance of integrating the proposed city with existing infrastructure such as CSIR labs and ISRO-linked research facilities in Odisha to build synergy and avoid duplication of efforts.
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Biotechnology Park and Astronomy Observatory Also Planned
In addition to the Science City Odisha has announced plans to establish a mega biotechnology park in Bhubaneswar. The park will aim to attract top biotech firms provide integrated RD facilities and promote cutting-edge innovation in life sciences.
The state also submitted proposals for an Astronomy Observatory a Bay of Bengal Coastal Observatory under the Ministry of Earth Sciences an Intellectual Property and Patent Facilitation Centre and multiple projects under the Department of Biotechnology.