Viksit Odisha / Shree Jagannath Greenfield Airport Project Clears Key Hurdles in Puri

Puri, Oct 6: The vision of a world‑class airport in Puri is no longer confined to blueprints and boardrooms — it is steadily turning into reality.

The proposed Shree Jagannath Greenfield International Airport at Sipasarubali in Brahmagiri has crossed crucial milestones, with forest clearances settled and CRZ approval secured.

What was once a distant dream for Odisha’s coastal district is now poised to take shape on the ground, promising to transform connectivity, tourism, and economic growth in the temple town revered across the globe.

Also read: Puri to Get International Cruise Terminal by 2028

With these approvals in place, the Puri District Collector announced that construction work will begin soon in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India and the Commerce & Transport Department.

Earlier, Stage‑I clearance had been granted, and compliance reports were submitted as required.

For the project, a total of 1,164.754 acres of land has been acquired. Of this, 221.891 acres are private land, while 942.863 acres are government land.

The acquisition will displace 129 families from Sipasarubali and Sandhapur mouzas. Authorities have assured that compensation and rehabilitation will be provided under the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation Act.

The compensation package includes ₹5 lakh per displaced family under housing assistance, over ₹3.39 lakh for new house construction, and ₹1.13 lakh for relocation and transport of household goods.

Additionally, livelihood support of ₹54,300 per family for one year and ₹25,000 for shop establishment under business assistance have been announced.

The project, once completed, will mark a historic milestone for Odisha, fulfilling a long‑standing demand for an international airport in the holy city of Lord Jagannath.

Puri Steps Closer to New Era

Puri, the spiritual heart of Odisha, is preparing to welcome a new chapter in its growth story — through the sea. Weeks ago, the state government has unveiled plans for an ultra‑modern international cruise terminal, slated for completion by 2028.

Rising at Sipasarubali near the mouth of the Dhanasri River, the project will span nearly 60 acres, positioning Puri as a global hub for luxury sea travel.

A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has already been signed between the Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha Maritime Board, with consultancy firm WAPCOS Limited entrusted to prepare the Techno‑Economic Feasibility Report.

Oversight will rest with a Special Purpose Vehicle chaired by the OMB CEO. Officials believe the terminal will not only redefine Puri’s tourism landscape but also invigorate Odisha’s maritime economy, anchoring the temple city firmly on the world’s cruise tourism map.