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Bhubaneswar is the capital city of the Indian state of Odisha. It is located in eastern India and is one of the oldest cities in the country. Bhubaneswar is known as the 'City of Temples', with over 700 temples dotting the landscape. Bhubaneswar is a city of economic and religious importance. It is also a centre of higher education, home to several universities and colleges. The city is a mix of ancient temples and modern structures, including the famous Lingaraj Temple, Dhauli peace pagoda, Udayagiri and Khandagiri caves, and the state-of-the-art Info City.
As per the 2011 census, Bhubaneswar had a population of 1.7 million. It is one of the fastest-growing cities in India in terms of infrastructure and economy. The next census planned for 2021 is expected to show significant growth. Bhubaneswar is known for its cultural diversity, with residents from different parts of India residing here. The majority religion is Hinduism, followed by Islam, Christianity and others. The city is multilingual with Odia being the official language, and Hindi, Bengali and English widely spoken. Bhubaneswar is home to several wildlife species, including the Indian roller bird, which is the state bird of Odisha.
Bhubaneswar is administered by the Bhubaneswar Municipal Corporation (BMC). The city is divided into 67 wards, each of which elects a corporator. The Mayor, elected from among the corporators, holds executive powers. The BMC is responsible for public health, sanitation, waste management, and building regulations. The city also falls under the jurisdiction of the Bhubaneswar Development Authority (BDA), which is responsible for the planning and development of infrastructure in the city.
Bhubaneswar has a diverse economy, with key sectors including information technology, telecommunications, and higher education. The city is emerging as an IT hub, with major IT companies like Infosys, TCS, and Wipro having their presence here. Bhubaneswar's GDP stands at about $12 billion, contributing significantly to Odisha's economy. The city also houses several universities and colleges, making it a major education hub in eastern India.
Bhubaneswar's infrastructure has seen significant growth in recent years. It has a well-developed network of roads, a railway station, and the Biju Patnaik International Airport. The city's infrastructure development plan includes the creation of smart city projects, enhanced water supply, and sewerage infrastructure, and improved digital connectivity. The city also has a planned township, Info City, dedicated to IT and ITeS companies.