Mumbai, June 29 -- Bhubaneswar Smart City Limited (BSCL) has launched an extensive beautification and landscaping project along Janpath, one of the city's busiest thoroughfares. The initiative aims to transform the corridor into a greener, cooler and more vibrant public space, improving visual appeal and environmental resilience. The project forms part of BSCL's wider effort to tackle rising urban temperatures through nature-based solutions and to create more pedestrian-friendly spaces.
Large shade-giving trees are being planted along Janpath to mitigate the urban heat island effect, reduce surface temperatures and provide greater comfort for commuters and pedestrians throughout the year. Several hard surfaces along the corridor are being replaced with planting beds and landscaped areas to improve rainwater absorption and support urban biodiversity. BSCL Managing Director Chanchal Rana said the plantations will significantly enhance the city's green cover and improve air quality.
A key horticultural choice is tabebuia rosea, selected for its striking pink blossoms that are expected to create a seasonal display, while medians will feature rudrapalash, also known as spathodea, which bears vibrant red flowers to complement existing yellow amaltas trees. Ornamental shrubs such as hamelia and acalypha, together with groundcover plants like rhoeo, will be introduced to enhance the avenue's visual charm and ecological value. The drive also includes the development of 10 public plazas at strategic locations including Ekamrakshetra, the Master Canteen traffic islands, the underside of Rajmahal Flyover and areas in front of the IDCO Tower and OPTCL.
Inspired by Odisha's cultural heritage, the plazas are designed as community hubs capable of hosting public events and activities such as Patha Utsav, and BSCL officials anticipate the project to be completed by August. Once finished, the revamped Janpath is intended to emerge as one of Bhubaneswar's most attractive urban landmarks, offering residents and visitors a greener and more inviting cityscape. The scheme reflects a growing municipal emphasis on sustainable urban design and active public spaces.
Published by HT Digital Content Services with permission from Construction World.