Puri to be Odisha’s Sixth Municipal Corporation | 01 Jan 2026

Why in News?

The Odisha State Government has officially notified Puri as the sixth Municipal Corporation of the State.

Key Points

• Official Notification: Issued by the Housing and Urban Development Department, taking effect on January 1, 2026.
• Urban Status: With this Puri becomes the sixth Municipal Corporation in Odisha, joining Bhubaneswar, Cuttack, Berhampur, Sambalpur, and Rourkela. 
• Civic Development: The move aims to boost civic amenities, enhance infrastructure development, and improve public services for residents, pilgrims, and visitors.
• Wider Urban Reforms: Alongside Puri’s upgrade, the government declared four towns as Notified Area Councils (NACs)—Loisingha (Balangir), Chandikhole (Jajpur), Jashipur (Mayurbhanj) and Basta (Balasore).
  • It also expanded the limits of Berhampur Municipal Corporation.
• Famous Site: Shri Jagannath Temple (Char Dham pilgrimage site).
  • Annual Jagannath Rath Yatra held in Puri.