1. Sri Jagannath International Airport
A transformative leap in regional infrastructure is the proposed greenfield airport near Puri, to be developed over 1,164 acres at a cost of around ₹5,631 crore. This airport, intended to handle 4.6 million passengers annually, will significantly enhance connectivity for pilgrims and tourists alike. Development is planned in three phases under a public–private partnership (PPP) model. Major players like Adani Group, GMR, and Fairfax have shown interest, and the state is exploring AAI’s participation in the project. Necessary clearances, including for forest and coastal regulations, are underway.The Times of IndiaWikipediaThe New Indian Express
2. Visionary Regional Planning: BCPPER
The Government of Odisha has constituted a Regional Economic Development Board to drive the growth of the Bhubaneswar–Cuttack–Puri–Paradip Economic Region (BCPPER). Aligned with state and national long-term visions, key projects include:
- A 2,500-acre Aerotropolis in Puri
- A 5,000-acre industrial zone between Bhubaneswar and Cuttack
- New smart city near Chandaka
- A “Special Healthcare Zone” and expanded ring road network
These will collectively propel the region’s economic scale toward $500 billion by 2047.The Times of India
3. Heritage & Tourism Upgrades
a. Puri Heritage Corridor
The Shree Jagannath Heritage Corridor (also called Shree Mandir Parikrama) — a 75-meter heritage promenade around the Jagannath Temple — was completed in January 2024. Built at a cost of approximately ₹331 crore, it enhances darshan experience and safety for pilgrims.
b. Puri Municipal Corporation + Jagannath Museum
As of July 2025, Puri has been upgraded to a Municipal Corporation, expanding administrative capacity to manage services across greater civic zones. The state also announced plans for an international-standard Sri Jagannath Museum, Library & Research Centre, featuring galleries, manuscripts, and a 300-seat auditorium.
c. Hospitality Development
Investment in hospitality includes LYFE Hotels setting up a ₹154 crore property in Puri. Additionally, Swosti Group is planning a luxury Swosti Chandan Spa Retreat in Puri, pending CRZ clearance.
4. Transportation and Connectivity
a. Rail & Road Infrastructure
- Puri–Konark Rail Line: A ₹492 crore, 32 km project to connect the iconic temples, with planned new stations and tourist hubs.
- Puri–Rourkela Vande Bharat Express: A semi-high-speed train linking Puri to Rourkela, enhancing rail connectivity across Odisha.
- Howrah–Puri Vande Bharat Express: An existing express train upgraded with new coaches, adding capacity for pilgrimage traffic.
- New Jagannath Sadak: A vital national highway linking Puri with central and western Odisha, facilitating tourism and commerce.
5. Industrial & Green Energy Projects
From the 139th SLSWCA meeting, several projects in Puri emerged:
- Reliance Bio Energy: ₹121.21 crore compressed biogas and organic manure plant in Puri — ~69 jobs.
- Broader Odisha Investments: ₹4,515 crore across sectors like green energy, IT, EVs, pharmaceuticals, steel.
6. Renewable Energy Growth
The state’s solar energy capacity has hit 706 MW, with projects totaling 486 MW under development. Despite some hurdles, initiatives like PM Surya Ghar Muft Bijli Yojana and PM-KUSUM scheme support households and farmers via solar power adoption.
7. Tourism Boom
Tourist arrivals spiked in 2024, with over 1.09 crore domestic and 53,000+ international visitors — highlighting the urgency for sustainable tourism infrastructure.
Quick Look
| Sector | Key Investment / Project | Impact |
|---|---|---|
| Air Connectivity | ₹5,631 cr Greenfield Airport near Puri | Strengthens pilgrimage and tourism |
| Regional Planning | BCPPER with Aerotropolis, industrial zones | Drives economic growth by 2047 |
| Heritage Infrastructure | Heritage Corridor & Jagannath Museum | Enhances heritage tourism & cultural preservation |
| Hospitality | LYFE Hotels & Swosti Resort | Boosts premium tourism offerings |
| Rail & Road | Puri–Konark line, Vande Bharat trains, Jagannath Road | Improves mobility and access |
| Renewable & Bio Energy | Biogas plant + solar capacity expansion | Drives clean energy transition |
| Tourism Growth | Increased tourist influx | Necessitates sustainable infrastructure planning |
Note – Growth should happen not at the cost of the City. Spirituality should be at the core and all forms of tourism and tourists should abide by this.
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