History of Odisha (25/03/2025): The confirmation of Puri’s own international airport marks a pivotal moment in Odisha’s infrastructure development and tourism strategy. On Monday, the State Transport Minister officially announced in the Assembly that the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport is set to be developed on 1,164 acres of land. This long-awaited project is expected to transform Puri’s connectivity, boost tourism, and elevate the city’s status on the global map.
Why Puri Needs an International Airport
Puri holds immense spiritual, cultural, and economic significance for Odisha and India. As the sacred abode of Lord Jagannath and one of the four Char Dham pilgrimage sites, Puri attracts millions of devotees and tourists from across the globe every year. However, the lack of direct air connectivity has long been a bottleneck for the city’s growth as a premier tourist destination.
Currently, visitors rely on Bhubaneswar’s Biju Patnaik International Airport, which is about 60 kilometers away, to reach Puri. The introduction of an international airport in Puri will eliminate this inconvenience, offering direct access to international tourists and pilgrims, thereby streamlining travel and enhancing the overall visitor experience.
Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Plan
The Odisha government has already taken significant steps toward materializing this project. Out of the 1,164 acres earmarked for the airport, 221 acres in the Sipasarubali and Sandhapur areas under Brahmagiri tehsil are being acquired. Public hearings for land acquisition have been scheduled — March 21 for Sipasarubali and March 28 for Sandhapur — to address any public concerns and ensure a smooth transition.
To address the displacement of local families, the government has announced a comprehensive rehabilitation package that reflects both fairness and empathy:
- Displacement Allowance: ₹5 lakh per displaced family
- Housing Assistance: ₹3.39 lakh for constructing a new house
- Relocation Support: ₹1.13 lakh for transportation and shifting
- Livelihood Assistance: ₹54,300 to support families for a year
- Business Support: ₹25,000 to establish small businesses
These measures, aligned with the Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation, and Resettlement Act, 2013, reflect a balanced approach, ensuring that the affected families are adequately compensated and supported in rebuilding their lives.
A Vision Rooted in Strategic Planning
The idea of an international airport in Puri was first proposed in 2021 by the then Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik, who urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to support the project. By October 2023, the Ministry of Civil Aviation had granted site clearance, laying the groundwork for the project’s formal launch.
The airport is planned to be developed in three phases at an estimated cost of ₹5,631 crore. Major infrastructure players, including Fairfax Group, Adani Group, and GMR Group, have already expressed interest in executing the project. This signals that the Shree Jagannath International Airport will be built to world-class standards, equipped to handle both domestic and international traffic.
Tourism and Economic Impact
The airport’s strategic location and modern infrastructure are expected to significantly boost Puri’s tourism and economy. Direct air connectivity will not only increase the inflow of pilgrims and tourists but also promote Odisha’s cultural and heritage tourism on a global scale. The annual Rath Yatra, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world, will particularly benefit from improved connectivity, attracting more international devotees.
Moreover, the airport will serve as a catalyst for economic development in and around Puri. Enhanced connectivity will encourage investment in hotels, resorts, transport services, and local businesses, creating new employment opportunities and elevating the standard of living for the local population.
Challenges and the Road Ahead
While the airport promises significant benefits, challenges remain. Land acquisition, environmental clearances, and managing local sentiments require careful handling to avoid delays and disputes. The government’s proactive approach to rehabilitation and compensation indicates that these challenges are being addressed with sensitivity and foresight.
Conclusion
The Shree Jagannath International Airport is not just an infrastructure project; it represents a transformative shift for Puri and Odisha. It will unlock new opportunities in tourism, trade, and connectivity while reinforcing Puri’s spiritual and cultural significance. The successful completion of this project will mark a new era for Odisha, positioning Puri as a truly global destination. The state government’s commitment to fair compensation and strategic execution reflects a balanced approach to development — one that honors both progress and tradition.