Latest news with #ShreeJagannathInternationalAirport
Time of India
27-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
PURI: BEYOND TEMPLES AND BEACHES
The ancient Jagannath temple and the pristine golden beach have long been the twin jewels in Odisha's tourism crown, attracting millions of visitors to Puri annually. However, a remarkable transformation is taking place in this coastal city that's reshaping its identity from a purely religious destination to a modern tourist paradise. Just half a decade ago, the area beyond the Light House beach was an unexplored territory, dominated by casuarina forests and sand dunes, with no infrastructure or human presence. Today, this section of Puri, known as the new marine drive or Sipasarubali beach, has emerged as a symbol of progress and modern development, featuring wide roads, luxury hotels, trendy restaurants and vibrant tourist zones. The new Puri area is set to see further growth thanks to the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Sipasarubali. "The Puri beach has evolved to offer an experience that is reminiscent of popular global tourist destinations. The Sipasarubali area is going to get transformed in the next five years and is a potential goldmine for investors," according to businessman Nikhil Gupta, who was in Puri recently to explore business opportunities. The game-changing factor in this transformation has been the development of the expansive marine drive road connecting Sipasarubali beach to Harekrushnapur on the outskirts of Puri. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Previously, tourists often avoided Puri due to the congested main entrance via Bata Mangala — Atharanala. The lack of proper connectivity had also deterred the hotel industry from expanding into new areas. Puri district collector Siddharth Shankar Swain, while emphasizing the importance of sustainable development, said, "We are witnessing unprecedented interest from investors in the Sipasarubali beach area. While we are excited about the growth prospects, our focus remains on ensuring planned and regulated development that adheres to environmental and coastal regulation zone guidelines." According to Debasis Das, secretary of Srikhetra Swabhiman Mancha (a cultural outfit), the Shree Jagannatha Parikrama Prakalpa (a heritage corridor project) which was inaugurated last year on Jan 17, set the ball rolling for Puri's transformation. Under the Rs-500-crore ambitious makeover plan, Puri witnessed infrastructural development, tourist amenities, revival of sacred tanks, multi-lane roads and multi-level parking and a trumpet bridge. The new Puri has become a popular weekend destination for residents of Bhubaneswar and Cuttack, who can reach the beach town in just two hours by road. The area's appeal lies in its spacious infrastructure, ample parking facilities and relatively less crowded beaches compared to the bustling central beach near Digabareni and Swargadwar. "The transformation of Sipasarubali from a handful of hotels to a thriving tourist hub has been remarkable. However, it's crucial that we maintain the area's natural charm while pursuing development," Padma awardee and renowned sand artist Sudarsan Pattnaik said. The statistics support this growth story, with over 50 hotels, including two-star category establishments, and numerous restaurants now operating along the new marine drive. The area received a significant boost when the Copenhagen-based Foundation for Environmental Education granted the prestigious Blue Flag certification to an 870-m stretch of Puri Golden beach in Oct 2020, making it Odisha's first beach to receive this international recognition. The certified beach area now boasts of world-class amenities, including beach huts, jogging tracks, modern toilets, designated safe bathing zones, watchtowers, landscaped gardens, changing rooms and advanced security features like CCTV cameras and solar-powered street lighting. The govt also has plans to develop beach and water sports activities in the Sipasarubali area. The recently approved 'Odisha Adventure Tourism Guidelines, 2025', promotes various water sports activities, from jet skiing and parasailing to snorkelling and windsurfing. However, following a recent boat capsize incident involving Cricket Association of Bengal's president Snehasish Ganguly, authorities are conducting thorough safety assessments before implementing these activities. While the development has been impressive, visitors and stakeholders point out areas requiring attention. "We need more waste management facilities along the shore and better shade provisions for tourists," Gupta added. Hotel Association of Puri's vice-president Debasis Kumar stresses the importance of security. "With the expanding tourist zone, we need dedicated police outposts along the marine drive and enhanced beach patrolling, especially in the 10-km stretch from Sanskrit University to Sterling," Kumar said. To address the growing traffic, the govt is constructing a five-storeyed multi-level car parking facility at Digabareni Chhak that will accommodate 257 vehicles. Infrastructure improvements also include a 6m-wide granite-paved pathway along the marine drive, replacing the narrow footpath that existed previously. "The transformation of Puri represents a delicate balance between preserving its ancient spiritual heritage and embracing modern tourism development. As this coastal city evolves, we, as stakeholders, remain committed to sustainable growth that benefits both locals and visitors, while protecting the natural environment that makes Puri unique," Srimanta Kumar Dash, president of India-Japan Friendship Centre, an outfit working on promotion of tourism activities in Puri, said. According to Dash, the arrival of tourists, including foreigners, will increase after commissioning of the proposed international airport. "We need to have viable tourism projects attracting foreign tourists," he added. He advocated for the development of theme parks, shopping centres, museums and cinema halls. "These additions would encourage visitors to prolong their holidays in the coastal town, bolstering the economy," he said.
New Indian Express
07-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Puri to get international airport: CM Majhi thanks PM Modi and Union Minister K Rammohan Naidu
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has thanked Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Union Civil Aviation minister K Rammohan Naidu for granting in-principle approval for the proposed international airport at Puri. Expressing gratitude, Majhi said this project will significantly enhance regional air connectivity, drive economic development and make Puri more accessible to lakhs of pilgrims and tourists from across the globe. The greenfield airport in the holy city of Puri to be named Shree Jagannath International Airport will be a game-changer for the state's connectivity and economic growth, he said. The airport will be developed on 1,164 acre of land at an estimated cost of Rs 5,631 crore. Planned in three phases, the facility is designed to handle up to 46 lakh passengers annually upon completion. 'Puri, one of the four cardinal pilgrimage sites in Hinduism and the site of the iconic Jagannath temple, attracts millions of devotees every year. The proposed airport is expected to further elevate its status as a spiritual and tourism hub,' Majhi said.
New Indian Express
06-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Puri International Airport accorded in-principle approval
BHUBANESWAR : In a major boost to the state government's move for the establishment of the Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri, the Centre on Monday accorded in-principle approval for the proposed greenfield project. The approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation came four days after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi pushed for fast-tracking of the international airport at Puri. The ministry stated that the decision marks an important milestone for Puri and Odisha. The move is in line with the government's commitment to strengthening last-mile air connectivity and making air travel accessible to all, Union Civil Aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said. Kinjarapu said in-principle approval has also been accorded to another greenfield airport project at Kota in Rajasthan. He said 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 airport will also be able to enhance direct connectivity between Puri and major metropolitan cities in India,' he said. As per the government's plan, the project will be taken up over 1,164 acre land that includes around 68 acre forest and 221.48 acre private land in Sipasarubali and Sandhapur under Brahmagiri tehsil. Around Rs 5,631 crore will be spent to develop the greenfield airport. Prior to the grant of in-principle approval, a four-member team from the Environment Ministry had visited Puri in April first week to review the ground situation for the airport. Two public hearings have also been carried out for acquisition of private land for the project. Earlier this week, CM Mohan Charan Majhi had asked authorities to expedite the ground work for the proposed airport. The state Transport department has approached the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to participate in the bidding process for development of the Shree Jagannath international airport.
New Indian Express
03-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Expedite Puri, Paradip airport plans: CM Mohan Charan Majhi to officials
BHUBANESWAR: Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to expedite the ground work for the proposed greenfield airports at Puri and Paradip and upgradation of Rourkela airport. The chief minister, who chaired a meeting on air connectivity and aviation network management in the state, stressed regional connectivity for development of trade, tourism and enhanced economic activities. The Transport department has approached the Airports Authority of India (AAI) to participate in the bidding process for the construction of Shree Jagannath International Airport at Puri. In May last year, Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari had announced plans to establish an airport in port town Paradip with an investment of `200 crore. The state government has decided to establish the airport under the Building Management of Aviation Assets and Network (B-MAAN) initiative. 'The AAI will conduct a survey and identify a suitable location, besides preparing an estimate for the requirement of land soon. Plans are afoot for upgradation and runway expansion of the domestic airport at Rourkela,' said a Transport department official. Discussions were held to enhance regional connectivity by further upgrading existing airstrips at Jeypore, Dandbose, Rangeilunda, Gautama, Satibhata, Raisuan, Tushara, Jamadarpali, Malkangiri, Amarda Road, and Utkela. The chief minister also discussed the establishment of world-class aviation infrastructure in the state, including airports, helipads and drone hubs. He approved the plan to construct heliports in 15 districts along with the development of Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre (BPAC) and the airstrip at Birashola in Dhenkanal district. The Works department was given the responsibility for expediting the works as the nodal agency. Apart from this, Majhi emphasised on further improving the efficiency of the airports currently operating in the state and modernising it. He directed officials to discuss with airline operators for increasing the frequency of flight services to different cities. It was also decided to restructure the Directorate of Civil Aviation with modern infrastructure and better human resources to strengthen the growing aviation sector in the state. Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and senior officials were present.
Time of India
02-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Greenfield airport plans for Paradip
Bhubaneswar: At least 15 of the 30 districts will have heliports, while a greenfield airport will come up at Paradip, according to a discussion of chief minister Mohan Chanarn Majhi with his ministerial colleagues and senior officials on augmentation of civil aviation Friday. He also discussed ways to expedite work on Shree Jagannath International Airport , Puri and upgradation of the existing airport in Rourkela. "Emphasis was laid on enhancing regional connectivity by improving key state airports, including those in Jeypore, Dandabosh, Rangeilunda, Gotama, Satibhata, Raisuan, Tushara, Jamadarpali, Malkangiri, Amarda Road and Utkela," a govt officer privy to the meeting said. Also, the meeting covered development of Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre (BPAC) at Birashal airstrip in Dhenkanal. The works department was asked to expedite these development activities as the nodal agency, official sources said. The CM discussed establishing world-class aviation infrastructure for airports, helipads, and drone hubs. He emphasized improving the operational efficiency and modernization of existing airports. He directed department officers to enhance development of state-run airports, increase flight connectivity, and improve efficiency of aviation units as part of infrastructure development. The meeting discussed the reorganisation of the aviation directorate with proposals for modern infrastructure and enhanced human resources to strengthen the growing aviation sector in the state. Transport minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena and chief secretary Manoj Ahuja were present. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 10 Mysterious Photos That Cannot Be Explained True Edition Undo In the recent budget, Rs 382 crore was allocated to support aviation infrastructure development and enhance air connectivity in Odisha. This aimed to bridge the financial gap between operational costs and anticipated revenue for air travel services to facilitate seamless implementation of Odisha New Destination Policy-2024. BOX What is a greenfield airport? A greenfield airport is one that is built from scratch, unlike a brownfield one where some basic infrastructure is available. "A greenfield airport at Paradip can be sustainable considering the existing economic activity stemming from major industries, ports, and cargo handling," aviation experts said.
