suparjya swain 
FEATURE: In a world where real estate is often driven by profit margins and marketing flash, one name has quietly risen as a beacon of integrity, trust, and thoughtful development in Odisha—Anil Kumar Agrawal, Managing Director of Orissa Twin City Builders Private Limited. His journey from a modest industrial background in Cuttack to becoming a respected real estate developer is not just inspiring—it’s a masterclass in how vision, ethics, and commitment to people can redefine an entire sector.
Born in the historic city of Cuttack, Odisha, Agrawal’s story is firmly rooted in values of hard work and humility. After earning a commerce degree, he joined his father’s modest industrial unit, which produced G.I. buckets and expanded into nails and wires. Those early years weren’t just about business—they were about resilience. When government incentives under the Industrial Policy Resolution (IPR) expired, many industries collapsed. He witnessed the fragility of dreams when not supported by sustainable models. That’s when he turned toward a sector that could offer long-term relevance—real estate.
In December 1999, Agrawal formally registered Orissa Twin City Builders Private Limited. With no architectural or construction background, he brought something rare into the business: financial discipline, sincerity, and a deeply human approach. His model was refreshingly simple—start one project, complete it, hand it over, and only then move to the next. No money juggling, no over-promising. In a world of shortcuts, his straight path became his strength.
This disciplined approach later aligned naturally with the norms introduced by RERA (Real Estate Regulatory Authority). While many developers struggled to adapt, Agrawal’s system was already compliant—transparent, documented, and buyer-focused. His projects earned a quiet reputation for reliability.
But for him, success goes beyond delivery. His biggest concern is the growing disconnect between developers and the people they’re supposed to serve. “Even though we pay GST and service tax, and follow every regulation, one bad player ruins the image of all developers,” he reflects. As a key voice in the All Odisha Credit Association, he actively advocates for better grievance redressal and policy parity.
Agrawal offers a thoughtful critique of the luxury housing boom—one rooted in ethics rather than economics. “In a densely populated country like India, I genuinely believe that no individual should own multiple homes—regardless of their wealth. When those with financial means accumulate property, it inflates prices and makes home ownership even more difficult for those who need it most,” he explains.
Reflecting on his earlier ventures into luxury housing, he admits, “Many of the buyers weren’t end users—they were investors. That defeated the entire purpose. Are we building homes for those who already own several, or for someone dreaming of their very first?”
For Agrawal, success is defined not by profits or project scale, but by impact. “There’s a deep sense of fulfillment when you help someone own a home for the first time. That’s my true motto. It’s not about profit margins—it’s about the peace that comes from knowing you’ve made a meaningful difference in someone’s life.”
This belief finds form in his senior citizen-friendly housing project in Trishulia, Cuttack—a gated community with elderly-friendly infrastructure, on-call medical care, healthy food, and even a playschool on campus. “Watching children play brings joy to the elderly. It keeps them mentally active. That’s the emotional design behind this project,” he says.
His company has also made notable contributions under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), delivering over 100 homes to economically weaker sections. Each home is legally documented, GST-compliant, and offers dignity and safety to first-time homeowners—an extension of Agrawal’s belief that housing should uplift, not burden.
Looking ahead, Agrawal sees vast potential—and pressing challenges—for real estate in Odisha. Cities like Bhubaneswar and Cuttack are expanding rapidly, increasing demand for affordable and mid-segment housing. However, issues like delayed land conversion, municipal bottlenecks, lack of skilled manpower, and regulatory inefficiencies continue to slow progress.
“There’s also a deep trust deficit,” he notes. “One fraudulent builder can ruin the reputation of an entire sector. Rebuilding that trust will take time, transparency, and unwavering ethical commitment.”
To the youth of Odisha, Agrawal offers both encouragement and caution. “If you’re entering real estate for quick profits, don’t. But if you’re willing to commit long-term, think ethically, and build for people—not just for money—this is one of the most fulfilling careers out there.”
He urges aspiring developers to gain holistic knowledge. “Don’t just depend on contractors. Learn the law, understand construction, know customer service. Every step matters if you’re serious about making an impact.”
Agrawal envisions a future where Odisha’s young entrepreneurs lead with integrity—blending purpose with profit. “This state has talent and values. With the right guidance, Odisha can become a model for responsible urban growth in India.”
Today, Orissa Twin City Builders Pvt. Ltd. is more than a real estate company—it’s a quiet movement for ethical, people-first development. And at its heart is a man who still believes that the best foundation to build on is trust.
