New Delhi/Bhubaneswar: In a major push to enhance religious tourism and regional air connectivity, the Union Ministry of Civil Aviation has granted in-principle approval for the establishment of a Greenfield airport in Puri, Odisha. The decision, announced by Union Civil Aviation Minister Shri Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu on Monday, marks a significant step toward fulfilling a long-standing demand of the people of Odisha.
Puri, home to the revered Shree Jagannath Temple, draws millions of pilgrims and tourists each year. The new airport is expected to greatly improve direct connectivity between the coastal holy town and major Indian cities, giving a major boost to religious tourism, local economy, and infrastructure development in the region.
“This project is not just about infrastructure; it is about connecting spiritual India to the skies,” said an official from the ministry. The proposed airport aligns with the central government’s broader goal of last-mile air connectivity and inclusive regional development.
The initiative is part of the Civil Aviation Ministry’s push under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership to expand the nation’s aviation network. Along with Puri, the ministry also approved a Greenfield airport in Kota, Rajasthan, a city known for its educational and industrial prominence.
The Puri airport is anticipated to bring long-term socio-economic benefits to the region by facilitating year-round access for pilgrims, improving emergency response capabilities, and opening new avenues for tourism and trade.
