CREDAI Convenes First General Body Meeting in Odisha

Bhubaneswar, August 2, 2025: CREDAI convened its general body meeting in Odisha with Bhubaneswar hosting the session for the first time. During the meeting, discussions centred around key areas of policy advocacy, including affordable housing, ease of doing business and skill development in the construction sector.

The meeting also discussed Odisha’s growing significance in the real estate landscape. With progressive policies and expanding infrastructure, the state is attracting increased investment. Bhubaneswar has witnessed steady growth driven by smart city initiatives, a rising IT sector and enhanced urban connectivity—positioning it as one of the most promising Tier 2 cities in the country.

The event was graced by the governor of Odisha, Hari Babu Kambhampati, who felicitated leading industry figures and members of the CREDAI leadership for their contribution to the sector.

“Odisha stands at a critical inflection point—emerging as the growth engine of eastern India. Smart cities like Bhubaneswar and Rourkela, the Bhubaneswar-Cuttack-Puri Corridor, and major industrial corridors are unlocking immense potential,” Kambhampati said.

He urged developers to focus on Tier 2 and 3 cities for balanced urbanisation and to invest in affordable housing, green development, and digital infrastructure. The governor also emphasised the importance of ethical business practices and customer-centric models in building trust within the sector. He further advised CREDAI to undertake educational programmes for youth on home ownership and its significance.

Shekhar Patel, President, CREDAI, said, “Hosting our general body meeting in Odisha for the first time highlights Bhubaneswar’s rapid transformation—driven by smart city initiatives, a growing IT ecosystem and progressive governance. This platform enables us to engage directly with developers in the region, understand local opportunities and challenges and align national priorities with regional aspirations.”

He added, “Our goal is to foster inclusive growth, attract meaningful investment and help create sustainable, future-ready urban environments across Odisha.”

During the meeting, he outlined a five-point agenda, placing strong emphasis on skill development and reforestation, “reaffirming our commitment to empowering people and restoring ecological balance as we build a more inclusive and sustainable future”.

He also highlighted the remarkable evolution of Bhubaneswar over the last decade, stating, “From a twin city, we now see a vision for a dynamic tri-city cluster comprising Bhubaneswar, Cuttack and Puri. This region is poised to be one of India’s top 50 urban centres”.

He further underscored the real estate sector’s vital contribution to India’s economy, 8.4 per cent to India’s GDP. “It is the second-largest employment generator after agriculture. With RERA streamlining the industry, 95 per cent of the sector is now organised. By 2030, it is projected to become a $1 trillion sector, contributing 10 per cent to the GDP.”

The presence of CREDAI’s national leadership in Odisha underscores its commitment to supporting high-potential regions through strategic collaboration and policy dialogue. By engaging directly with local stakeholders, CREDAI aims to catalyse sustainable growth, foster regional investment and contribute meaningfully to the evolving real estate ecosystem in eastern India.