image credits: otv news
Rourkela Smart City Ltd (RSCL) has approved three ambitious projects to improve infrastructure in Odisha’s Steel City. These initiatives include a new stormwater drainage system, the redevelopment of the existing bus terminal, and the transformation of the TISCO site into a recreational hub.
A New Stormwater Drainage System to Tame the Monsoon
Odisha’s monsoon season brings challenges to urban areas like Rourkela. Waterlogging has long troubled residents in neighbourhoods such as Dayanand Nagar, PK Das Colony, Burutola, and Jagannath Colony. RSCL has completed 11 stormwater drains by the end of 2022 at a cost of approximately Rs 110 crore, yet the issue persists in many residential pockets. Recognizing this, the 29th RSCL Board of Directors meeting, chaired by Development Commissioner Anu Garg in Bhubaneswar, approved the construction of an additional stormwater drainage system.
This project aims to provide lasting relief from flooding, ensuring safer and more comfortable living conditions. This project will have guidance of officials like Housing and Urban Development Department Secretary Usha Padhee.
Redevelopment of the Rourkela Bus Terminal
The bus terminal near Bisra Chowk has been in a state of neglect for over a decade. Congested and dilapidated, it has struggled to meet the demands of a growing population. Ahead of the FIH Men’s Hockey World Cup in January 2023, there were proposals to construct a new terminal at an alternate location, but those plans did not materialize. Now, RSCL has taken a decisive step by approving the redevelopment of the existing facility.
This long-overdue project promises to transform the terminal into a modern, spacious hub, improving connectivity and easing travel for the people of Rourkela. The completion of this project will not only enhance daily life but also reinforce Rourkela’s reputation as a city on the rise.
How will RSCL Transform the TISCO Site?
Perhaps the most visionary of the three projects is the redevelopment of the TISCO site near Panposh Sports Hostel. Once home to a deep quarry pit in the erstwhile TISCO Colony, this area is set to become a recreational haven known as TISCO Pond. The plan includes renovating the pond, beautifying its surroundings, and adding features like a forest trail, a footover-bridge, and a food court. These enhancements will turn the site into a tourist attraction.
Beyond leisure, the project addresses practical concerns. A dedicated marketplace will be established to accommodate around 400 roadside vendors, particularly vegetable sellers who currently congest the approach road to Chhend Colony and Kalinga Vihar on Fridays. This thoughtful addition will ease traffic snarls while supporting local livelihoods.
What is the Broader Vision for the Progress of Rourkela?
At the RSCL meeting, it was announced that the Integrated Command and Control Centre (ICC) and the Tribal Museum, part of the delayed Rourkela One initiative, are slated for completion by June 2025. The recreational park at Koel Nagar also received instructions for swift completion, alongside discussions on enhancing the culturally significant Vedavyas Pitha.
Also, Odisha’s first glass floor suspension bridge at Vedvyas Pitha in Rourkela was announced by Works Minister Prithviraj Harichandan. Estimated at Rs 34-35 crore, this innovative bridge will feature a transparent floor, offering pedestrians a thrilling view of the river below. The foundation stone will be laid in May 2025.
