Puri airport gets approval from Central govt

The Government of India has granted in-principle approval for the construction of a new Greenfield airport in Puri, a development heralded as a transformative step for the city and Odisha. This project, spearheaded by the Ministry of Civil Aviation, is expected to significantly enhance connectivity between Puri and various major cities across the country.

“Minister of Civil Aviation Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu has granted in-principle approval for the establishment of a Greenfield airport in Kota, Rajasthan, and Puri in Odisha,” a release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation stated.

“Puri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India and home to Lord Jagannath, attracts millions of devotees and tourists from across the country and the world. The decision to establish an airport in Puri will provide a major boost to religious tourism, regional development, and overall connectivity in the region,” the release added.

The proposed airport aligns with the Indian government's strategic vision to make air travel more accessible for its citizens. According to officials, the facility will enable direct connectivity, which is anticipated to substantially boost tourism and drive economic growth throughout the region.

Tourism and Economic Benefits

By facilitating easier access to Puri, renowned for its rich cultural heritage and the famous Jagannath Temple, the airport is expected to attract both domestic and international tourists. This could result in the generation of employment opportunities and increased economic activity for local businesses.

The airport will also benefit Odisha as it continues to develop its infrastructure, positioning the state as an increasingly vital hub for both tourism and business activities in eastern India.

Timeline and investments

The timeline for construction and the expected date of completion are yet to be announced by the concerned authorities. Attention will also be directed towards ensuring that the environmental and social impacts of the project are duly addressed in accordance with national regulations. However, earlier this year, the Odisha Transport minister had informed the State Assembly that the proposed airport would be coming up in Puri, and 1,164 acres of land have been designated for its development. As per earlier estimates, the airport is planned to be developed in three phases at an estimated cost of Rs 5,631 crore.