Odisha has unveiled ANKUR, a pioneering urban development initiative aimed at making cities across the state resilient, livable, and future-ready. Launched by the Housing and Urban Development Department, ANKUR — short for Atal Network for Knowledge, Urbanisation and Reforms — signals a strategic shift in how Odisha is planning for rapid urbanisation.
During the launch event, Odisha signed MoUs with six key urban development organisations. Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra hailed ANKUR as a collective movement toward a Viksit Odisha, co-authored by government, institutions, and communities.
Principal Secretary Usha Padhee highlighted ANKUR’s evolution through deep consultation and collaboration. She emphasized the growing urgency for new platforms and partnerships to meet the challenges of rapid urban growth. With Odisha’s urban population expected to triple by 2036, ANKUR is set to guide this transition with innovation and sustainability.
The program will focus on four strategic pillars: capacity building, knowledge and research, implementation support, and innovation. Aligned with the Viksit Bharat @2047 vision, ANKUR aims to make Odisha a model for urban reform.
By institutionalizing innovation and fostering public-private cooperation, Odisha is redefining urban planning with ANKUR.
