Bhubaneswar: The sacred landscapes of Odisha are poised for a profound spiritual renaissance as the State embarks on a major initiative to develop a world-class Buddhist Circuit
Orchestrated under the guidance of the Principal Secretary of the Works Department and Chairman of the Odisha Bridge and Construction Corporation Limited, Shri Sanjay Kumar Singh, the ambitious heritage project aims to elevate the historic precincts of Ratnagiri, Lalitgiri, Udayagiri, Langudi, and Dhauli into premier global destinations
Known for his deep-rooted commitment to heritage preservation, Principal Secretary, Shri Singh brings invaluable spiritual insights to the initiative, having previously overseen the extensive beautification of the Mahabodhi Temple in Bodhgaya, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, during his tenure as District Magistrate
Refusing to compromise on the aesthetic class or functional quality of this sacred transformation, the State has attracted a lineup of elite global and domestic architectural consortiums to design the master plans. These organizations have presented vision documents before the State, drawing on a rich lineage of monumental projects they have erected worldwide
Among the high-profile bidders is Kengo Kuma and Associates, partnering with Aadharshila Designs Private Limited. The lead member, Japanese architect Kengo Kuma, is internationally revered for weaving natural elements into modern structures, a philosophy that deeply mirrors Buddhist mindfulness. His firm designed the magnificent Japan National Stadium for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and the stunning V&A Dundee design museum in Scotland
Another formidable joint venture brings together Tractebel Engineering Private Limited and RSP Architects Planners and Engineers (Pte) Limited. RSP, a powerhouse headquartered in Singapore, is celebrated for its masterful integration of vast infrastructure with cultural context. They are the creative minds behind the Jewel Changi Airport project in Singapore, in collaboration with Safdie Architects, and have delivered iconic cultural complexes across Asia, proving their capability to handle mass spiritual tourism while keeping spaces serene.
INI Design Studio Private Limited has partnered with the legendary American firm Pei Cobb Freed and Partners Architects LLP. The latter carries an architectural legacy of unparalleled prestige, famously responsible for the iconic glass-and-steel Grand Louvre Pyramids in Paris and the East Building of the National Gallery of Art in Washington, D.C. Their expertise in bringing mathematical harmony to monumental public spaces offers a unique vantage point for designing expansive pilgrimage grounds.
Peddle Thorp and Walker International Pty Limited (PTW Architects) has joined hands with Architects Studio. Australia-based PTW possesses a remarkable portfolio of landmark heritage and contemporary structures, most famously designing the National Aquatics Center, known as the Watercube, for the 2008 Beijing Olympics, alongside substantial cultural revitalizations across the Asia-Pacific region
Complementing these international joint ventures are two highly distinguished domestic powerhouses bidding independently. DDF Consultants Private Limited brings extensive regional experience in large-scale urban master planning, heritage conservation, and tourism infrastructure creation across India
Joining them is HCP Design, Planning and Management Private Limited, the renowned firm behind India’s most significant contemporary urban and institutional transformations, including the Central Vista Redevelopment Project in New Delhi and the Kashi Vishwanath Dham Corridor in Varanasi, which seamlessly blends massive pilgrim movement with deep cultural reverence
Through this meticulous assembly of world-class design pioneers, the Odisha Buddhist Circuit project is set to honor the ancient spiritual legacy of the region. The comprehensive master plans will focus on creating a cohesive journey of peace and contemplation, ensuring the structural preservation of the ancient monastic clusters while seamlessly integrating top-tier modern facilities for global travelers
