Odisha set for major aviation expansion: Bhubaneswar Airport to get new terminal, Puri Jagannath airport operations soon

The Union Minister of Civil Aviation, K. Ram Mohan Naidu, has announced major developments for Odisha’s aviation sector during the Eastern Region Ministerial Conference on Civil Aviation held in Bhubaneswar. He revealed that the Bhubaneswar Airport will soon see the construction of a third terminal to handle the rising passenger traffic, while a greenfield airfield in Puri will also become operational very soon.

In addition, the Minister informed that 20 non-functional airstrips across the state will be revived, boosting regional air connectivity. The state government has also submitted proposals to start heli-taxi services and introduce seaplane operations in Chilika Lake.

“Terminal 3 is in planning stage now. It brings me happiness to say the work is going to get started soon. We will try to make a nice architectural building which showcases the history and legacy of Odisha. We will try to make into ground level as soon as possible,” Union Minister of Civil Aviation K. Ram Mohan Naidu said.

Chilika to Welcome Seaplanes

Plans are in motion to make seaplane services operational in Chilika Lake, while heli-taxi facilities are being proposed for hilly and remote regions. Officials believe these initiatives will give a significant boost to Odisha’s tourism potential.

Third Terminal for Bhubaneswar Airport

The Minister confirmed that with the surge in passenger numbers, Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar will expand with a third terminal. The new terminal will highlight Odisha’s rich art, culture, and history, offering travellers a unique cultural experience.

The Minister also shared that, as part of the ‘Viksit Bharat’ plan, India aims to develop 350 new airports by 2047, integrating Odisha’s growth into the national aviation roadmap.

Jagannath Airport in Puri

The upcoming greenfield airport in Puri will be named Jagannath Airport, the Minister announced, adding that all required approvals for the project have already been secured.

During the conference, discussions centered around improving airport infrastructure and passenger traffic in eastern India, with Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi as the chief guest, joined by Union Minister of State for Civil Aviation Muralidhar Mohol, and representatives from states including West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Bihar, and Jharkhand.