Proposed RRR Economic Corridor Gains Traction, Aims to Boost Regional Connectivity

Bhubaneswar: A proposed inter-state economic corridor linking Ranchi, Rourkela and Raipur (RRR) is gaining momentum, with officials highlighting its potential to transform industrial connectivity and trade across Odisha, Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh. The corridor is anchored by two major road infrastructure projects — the under-construction Raipur–Ranchi–Dhanbad Expressway and the proposed 156-km Rourkela–Ranchi highway — designed to…

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Odisha Government Notifies New Motor Cab and Auto Fare Rates for Official Travel

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has notified revised fare rates for motor cabs and three-wheelers across the state, effective February 5, 2026, according to an official order issued by the state authorities. The updated fare structure covers e-rickshaws, auto-rickshaws, standard cars, luxury cars, and premium luxury vehicles, specifying per-kilometre charges and minimum base fares for each…

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Odisha Govt Assures Support in Missing Merchant Navy Cadet Case

Bhubaneswar: Amid growing concern over the alleged disappearance of merchant navy cadet Sarthak Mohapatra while on duty, Odisha Sports Minister Suryabanshi Suraj has assured full support from both the state and central governments to the family. Speaking on the matter, the minister said he had personally spoken to Sarthak’s mother three days ago and that…

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Publicity Chariot Launched Ahead of 20th Toshali Swadeshi Mela in Bhubaneswar

Bhubaneswar: A publicity chariot was flagged off on Thursday to promote the 20th edition of the Toshali Swadeshi Mela, scheduled to be held from February 14 to 26 at Janata Maidan, Bhubaneswar. The mela aims to showcase indigenous handlooms, handicrafts and local products under the theme “Swadeshi and Atmanirbhar.” The promotional campaign was inaugurated at…

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Odisha Government Plans to Convert Vacant Buildings into Affordable Rental Housing

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has initiated steps to convert vacant government buildings into affordable rental housing units as part of the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana–Urban (PMAY-U) 2.0, aiming to address housing needs of the urban poor and migrant workforce. The Housing and Urban Development (H&UD) Department has directed various state departments to identify unused or…

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Odisha Proposes English Spelling Changes for 24 Place Names

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has proposed changes to the English spellings of 24 place names across the state, including renaming Khurda as “Khoradha,” to more accurately reflect their original Odia pronunciation and historical forms. Officials said the initiative is aimed at preserving Odisha’s linguistic, cultural, and historical heritage by aligning official English spellings with authentic…

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Odisha Scraps Auction System for Minor Minerals, Introduces E-Lottery and Price Caps

Bhubaneswar: In a significant policy overhaul aimed at curbing monopolies and controlling prices, the Odisha government has notified new rules for leasing minor minerals, including sand and stone, replacing the earlier auction-based system with a computerised e-lottery mechanism. Under the revised framework, mineral leases will now be allotted through an online, transparent e-lottery, a move…

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Satkosia to Get ₹100-Crore State-Funded Ecotourism Upgrade

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has approved a ₹100-crore ecotourism development project at Satkosia Wildlife Sanctuary, aimed at creating world-class tourism infrastructure while safeguarding the region’s fragile ecosystem. Official sources said the Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been cleared, with a total estimated investment of ₹99.75 crore, fully funded by the state government. The project is…

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Union Minister Urges Odisha Govt to Clear ₹28.54 Crore BSNL Dues

Bhubaneswar: Union Minister for Communications Jyotiraditya M. Scindia has urged the Odisha government to clear outstanding dues of ₹28.54 crore owed to Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) at the earliest. Emphasising BSNL’s critical role in delivering telecom connectivity, particularly in rural and remote areas, Scindia said the public sector telecom operator continues to support government…

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Odisha Launches Second Phase of Luxury Caravan Tourism

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has launched the second phase of its luxury caravan tourism initiative, aiming to offer travelers premium, hotel-like comfort on wheels while promoting experiential and destination-based tourism across the state. The new phase was flagged off from the Dhauli hills, with three luxury caravans introduced into service. Each caravan is equipped with…

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