TV
The temple town of Puri, one of the most revered pilgrimage destinations in India, is set to get its own international airport. Earlier this week, the State Transport Minister confirmed in the Odisha State Assembly that development plans in this regard are moving ahead full steam.
Notably, the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport is expected to significantly boost tourism, enhance connectivity, and stimulate the local economy.
With a total planned area of 1,164 acres, the project will be developed in multiple phases at an estimated cost of Rs 5,631 crore, aligning with the state’s long-term vision for economic and tourism growth with a spiritual focus.
Land Acquisition and Compensation Package
As of March 2025, the Odisha government has undertaken an extensive land acquisition process to make way for the airport, aiming to acquire 221.48 acres of private land in Sipasarubali and Sandhapur villages under Brahmagiri Tehsil in the Puri district.
Additionally, 68.81 acres of forest land are also expected to be a part of this airport. To facilitate smooth acquisition, public hearings were held on multiple dates this month to address concerns and inform stakeholders about the compensation package, in line with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013.
- Displacement Allowance: Rs 5 lakh per displaced family.
- Housing Assistance: Over Rs 3.39 lakh for constructing a new house.
- Relocation Support: Rs 1.13 lakh for transportation and shifting of household materials.
- Livelihood Assistance: Rs 54,300 for sustaining livelihood for a year.
- Business Support: Rs 25,000 to set up shops.
Puri Will Be A Greenfield Airport: What It Means
The Shree Jagannath International Airport has been classified as a greenfield airport, meaning it is being built from scratch on an undeveloped site rather than expanding an existing airport.
Greenfield airports are planned with modern infrastructure, state-of-the-art facilities, and future growth in mind. Unlike brownfield projects, which involve upgrading pre-existing airports, greenfield airports offer the advantage of custom planning, seamless integration of new technologies, and minimal operational disruptions during construction.
The project has received clearance from the Union Ministry of Environment, Forest, and Climate Change (MoEFCC) to convert 27.85 hectares (68.81 acres) of forest land for airport use.
Expected Benefits of the Shree Jagannath International Airport
The airport is poised to bring multiple economic and logistical benefits, including:
Boost to Religious Tourism: Puri, home to the Jagannath Temple and the famous Rath Yatra, attracts millions of pilgrims annually. An international airport will make travel easier for domestic and international devotees.
Enhanced Regional Connectivity: Improved air access will link Puri directly to major Indian cities and international destinations, reducing dependency on Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport.
Economic Growth: The project will create jobs in construction, aviation, hospitality, and allied sectors, stimulating the local economy.
Infrastructure Development: The airport will be a catalyst for better road networks, public transport, and urban expansion around Puri.
Attracting Global Investment: With interest from major infrastructure firms like the Fairfax Group, Adani Group, and GMR Group, the airport is likely to attract further investments into Odisha’s aviation sector.
Project Timeline and Development Phases
The airport is planned to be constructed in three phases, with the first phase designed to handle 4.6 million passengers per year.
Authorities anticipate that phase one will be completed within three years of commencement and will incorporate world-class passenger terminals, cargo handling facilities, and modern aviation technology.
