Bhubaneswar: Country Director of the Asian Development Bank (ADB), Mio Oka, met with Usha Padhee, Principal Secretary of the Odisha Housing & Urban Development Department at Kharavela Bhawan in Bhubaneswar. The meeting aimed to foster technical collaboration between ADB and the department in key areas of urban transformation.
The discussions focused on preparing a comprehensive urban mobility plan to support sustainable city growth and enhance livability in Odisha’s cities. ADB expressed its willingness to assist the department in accessing the urban challenge fund from the Government of India and provide technical assistance and knowledge support for Odisha’s evolving urban needs.
Both sides emphasized the need for integrated planning, innovative financing, and capacity building to address future urban challenges and improve the quality of life in urban areas. The meeting marks a step forward in strengthening partnerships for inclusive, resilient, and future-ready urban development in Odisha.
The collaboration between ADB and the Odisha government is expected to drive sustainable urban growth, improve infrastructure, and enhance the overall livability of cities in the state.