In a major relief for residents, Mohan Charan Majhi has inaugurated a new visa application centre in Bhubaneswar.
The centre is located at the Baramunda Bus Terminal (BSABT).
Until now, people from Odisha had to travel to cities like Kolkata, Delhi, or Hyderabad just to apply for visas.
With this new facility, that hassle is finally over.
The Chief Minister called this step a sign of Odisha’s growing global connection.
He said it will not only make travel easier but also boost tourism, business, and international ties.
The centre was approved by the central government under the leadership of Narendra Modi.
Visa Services for 10 Countries Now Available Locally
The new centre spans around 3,000 square feet inside the Baba Saheb Ambedkar Bus Terminal in Baramunda.
In its first phase, it will offer visa services for 10 countries:
UK
Ireland
Austria
Estonia
Italy
Malta
Switzerland
Japan
Morocco
Egypt
This means people can now complete their visa process without leaving the state.
Save Time, Money, and Effort
One of the biggest benefits of this centre is convenience.
Applicants will no longer need to spend extra money on travel, accommodation, and other expenses in metro cities.
The centre was set up after an agreement signed on March 23 between the Home Department, Bhubaneswar Development Authority, and VFS Global, which will operate the facility.
According to CEO Zubin Karkaria, the centre will provide faster and smoother visa services.
The company already handles visa operations for 53 countries in India and works across 167 countries worldwide.
Why This Centre Matters for Odisha
The Baramunda Bus Terminal is the largest in the state, spread over 11 acres.
Every day, around 1,500 buses and more than 20,000 passengers pass through it.
Placing the visa centre here ensures that a large number of people can easily access the service.
Key Benefits:
No need to travel to Kolkata or other metro cities
Saves both time and money
Boosts tourism and business opportunities
Overall, this initiative is expected to make international travel much easier for people in Odisha, especially for those who found the process difficult earlier.
