Bhubaneswar, Nov 6: Bhubaneswar is a city full of stories, and some of its place names carry fascinating histories. One such place is IRC Village in Nayapalli, now a modern and sought-after residential area, but its origin traces back to a temporary solution for a national event.
The story begins in 1982, when Odisha was chosen to host the Indian Roads Congress (IRC) for the second time. With engineers, officials, and dignitaries from across India expected to attend, the city faced a challenge — it lacked enough hotels or guest accommodations to host such an important event. To solve this, the government built a temporary residential area in Nayapalli, inspired by the Asiad Village built for the Asian Games. These well-planned houses were meant to host the delegates during the conference.
After the event ended, most guests returned home, but the name IRC Village remained. Over time, what began as a temporary settlement transformed into a thriving, modern neighborhood with homes, parks, and community spaces, making it one of Bhubaneswar’s most prestigious addresses.
Now, in 2025, Bhubaneswar is once again hosting the Indian Roads Congress, this time at Janta Maidan, bringing together engineers, urban planners, and transport officials from across India. The discussions this year focus on the future of India’s transport network, with objectives including smarter road planning, better urban connectivity, sustainable infrastructure, and innovative transport solutions. The return of IRC highlights Odisha’s growth in planning, infrastructure, and connectivity over the decades.
IRC Village remains a living reminder of how a temporary solution to a practical problem evolved into a lasting landmark, reflecting Bhubaneswar’s progress and evolving identity. It stands as a symbol of the city’s planning, development, and its journey toward becoming a modern, well-connected smart city.