Viksit Odisha / Puri to Get International Cruise Terminal by 2028, Rourkela and Amarda Airstrips to Become Airports

Bhubaneswar, Sep 24: Odisha is set to witness two major infrastructure upgrades in transport and tourism. The state government has announced plans to establish an ultra‑modern international cruise terminal in Puri by 2028, while also converting Amarda Road airstrip in Mayurbhanj into a full‑fledged airport.

According to official sources, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) for the cruise terminal project.

The proposed site has been identified near the mouth of the Dhanasri River in Sipsubali, Puri district, covering nearly 60 acres of land. Consultancy firm WAPCOS Limited has been tasked with preparing the Techno‑Economic Feasibility Report, which will determine the financial and operational roadmap.

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A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV), chaired by the CEO of OMB, will oversee the project’s execution. Officials believe the terminal will place Puri firmly on the global cruise tourism map, boosting both tourism and the state’s maritime economy.

In parallel, the government has initiated steps to upgrade the Amarda Road airstrip in Mayurbhanj into an airport. Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena, in a written reply to the Assembly, confirmed that the Rasgovindpur and Amarda airstrips are being developed into a modern airport.

He also stated that approval has been granted to convert the Rourkela airstrip into an airport, with funds allocated in the current budget for its development. Coordination with the central government is underway to expedite the projects.

Officials said the airport upgrade will strengthen air connectivity in northern Odisha, benefiting industrial hubs like Rourkela and improving regional economic activity.