Bhubaneswar: In a major administrative move aimed at simplifying international travel procedures for residents, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has approved the establishment of a Global Visa Application Centre (GVAC) in Bhubaneswar. The decision is expected to bring significant relief to thousands of visa applicants across the state who, until now, were compelled to travel to cities such as Kolkata, Delhi or Hyderabad to complete visa formalities.
The move marks a major step towards improving citizen convenience and enhancing Odisha’s global connectivity, particularly for students, professionals, business travelers and tourists.
Centre to Operate from Baramunda Bus Terminal
According to officials from the Chief Minister’s Office, the proposed Global Visa Application Centre will function from the Babasaheb Ambedkar Bus Terminal building at Baramunda in Bhubaneswar. The state government will provide approximately 3,000 square feet of space to house the facility.
The absence of a visa application center in the state capital had long been a cause of inconvenience for residents, who were forced to incur additional expenses and time due to inter-city travel. With the new center coming up in Bhubaneswar, applicants will be able to complete essential visa-related procedures locally.
Single-Window Facilitation for Multiple Countries
Government sources said the Global Visa Application Centre will act as a centralized facilitation hub for visa processing for multiple countries, subject to individual embassy and consulate protocols. Services are expected to include document submission, biometric data collection, appointment scheduling and application tracking, streamlining the entire process for applicants.
The facility will cater to people travelling abroad for a wide range of purposes, including higher education, overseas employment, business engagements, medical treatment and tourism.
Boost to Tourism and International Engagement
The decision is also aligned with the state government’s broader push to strengthen tourism infrastructure and international outreach. Under the ‘Viksit Odisha @ 2036’ vision, the state aims to develop integrated tourism destinations, improve urban infrastructure and enhance ease of travel for both domestic and international visitors.
Officials believe the visa center will further elevate Bhubaneswar’s status as an emerging transit and administrative hub, opening doors for increased foreign engagement, business opportunities and global partnerships.
Economic and Social Impact
Experts say the new facility will not only reduce logistical burdens for citizens but also contribute to the local economy by increasing footfall, service demand and employment opportunities. It is expected to especially benefit students and young professionals from Odisha aspiring to pursue opportunities abroad.
Once operational, the Global Visa Application Centre is likely to serve applicants from across all districts of Odisha, marking a significant milestone in the state’s efforts to improve public service delivery and global accessibility.
