Rs 5631 crore Shree Jagannath Airport in Odisha’s Puri got Centre's nod; all you should know

The central government granted in-principle approval for a new greenfield airport in Puri, marking a major step towards enhancing connectivity to the holy city.

“The decision to establish an airport in Puri will provide a major boost to religious tourism, regional development, and overall connectivity in the region,” read a statement from the Ministry of Civil Aviation on Monday 

Project Scope and Cost

Notably, the Shree Jagannath Airport is a significant infrastructure undertaking planned near Sipasarubali and Sandhapur villages under Brahmagiri tehsil in the Puri district.

The project is estimated to cost Rs 5,631 crore and will be developed over 1,164 acres of land. According to reports and past developments, the construction is planned in three phases, with an initial capacity target to handle 4.6 million passengers annually.

Recent Developmental Milestones

Progress on the ground has already begun with the Odisha government initiating the process to acquire the required land, including 221 acres in the Sipasarubali and Sandhapur areas.

Public hearings regarding land acquisition were conducted in March this year to address local concerns and detail compensation packages.

On the environmental front, the project received approval from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change to convert 25 acres of forest land for airport use. 

Earlier, in November, the Environment Appraisal Committee recommended granting Terms of Reference (ToR) for an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Furthermore, the Odisha Coastal Zone Management Authority (OCZMA) recommended the proposal for Environmental Clearance (EC) and Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) clearance.

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Infrastructure, Connectivity, and Benefits

As the second international airport in Odisha, this facility will feature modern infrastructure, including a planned 11,975-foot (3,650-meter) asphalt runway capable of handling large aircraft.

A crucial element is the proposed six-lane, high-speed corridor connecting the new airport with Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar. This link aims to drastically reduce inter-city travel time to approximately 30 minutes, creating a seamless travel experience between the state capital and the pilgrimage city.

The airport holds immense strategic importance. By providing direct air access to Puri, home to the revered Jagannath Temple, which attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually, it will significantly streamline travel for both domestic and international visitors.

Furthermore, the airport will reduce the current reliance on Bhubaneswar airport for travellers heading to Puri, easing congestion and offering more convenient travel options.

As of the last available reports, major infrastructure firms, including the Fairfax Group, Adani Group, and GMR Group, have reportedly expressed interest in developing the airport.

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Beyond tourism, the Shree Jagannath International Airport is anticipated to be a catalyst for broader economic growth in the region, generating substantial employment opportunities during construction and operation, and fostering business development.