As cities around the globe grapple with land-related challenges stemming from rapid urbanisation, climate change and infrastructure deficits, we can learn important lessons from Hiroshima’s experience. The city’s post-war reconstruction offers valuable lessons for urban development. However, Hiroshima’s experience offers several valuable lessons for cities like Bhubaneswar that are facing similar urban land challenges. Hiroshima’s urban planning is globally renowned for its post-war reconstruction from total devastation into an International Peace Culture City. Like Hiroshima, cities including Bhubaneswar have faced multiple shocks throughout history.