Bhubaneswar: From a proposed international airport to the restoration of historic religious sites, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has called for faster implementation of major projects in Puri, directing officials to ensure that development work moves forward without unnecessary delays.
At a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan, Majhi took stock of infrastructure, tourism and heritage conservation initiatives planned for the pilgrim city. He directed officials to closely monitor the projects and warned that negligence in execution would not be tolerated. He also stressed that development must preserve Lord Jagannath’s traditions while protecting the interests of servitors, traders and local residents.
The Chief Minister reviewed the progress of the Sri Jagannath International Airport, reconstruction of the Raghunandan Library and establishment of the Sri Jagannath Interpretation Centre. Plans for an amusement park, comprehensive development of Sri Gundicha Temple and construction of a new kitchen for Mahaprasad preparation were also discussed.
Addressing the concerns of displaced vendors, Majhi directed officials to immediately arrange rehabilitation for street vendors removed from the Grand Road, popularly known as Bada Danda, near Srimandir. He instructed that they be relocated to the area around Sri Setu to help them resume their livelihoods.
The review also covered the development of important religious and cultural sites across the district. These include Gopaljiu Temple at Sakhigopal, Atibadi Jagannath Das’s Satalahadi Math, other prominent Maths in Puri and Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur. The Chief Minister also reviewed plans to restore Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya along the traditional Gurukul model and rejuvenate Bakulaban.
Several projects aimed at improving the city’s infrastructure and visitor experience were also taken up. These include reconstruction of the heritage bridge near Atharanala, redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre, beautification of Puri beach and comprehensive improvement of Swargadwar. Arrangements for the Sandhya Arati and Lord Jagannath’s Sagar Bije ritual were also discussed.
Connectivity and regional development featured prominently in the meeting, with officials reviewing road-widening projects linking Puri with Brahmagiri, Konark and Bhubaneswar. The status of initiatives relating to Sri Jagannath Medical College, Blue Flag Beach, Astaranga Port and Konark Temple was also examined.
Majhi underlined that Puri holds a special place in Odisha’s cultural identity and attracts devotees from across the world. He said projects must be completed to world-class standards while respecting the city’s religious significance and heritage. He further emphasised that development should not come at the cost of the livelihoods of local communities and that the benefits of government schemes must reach ordinary people.
To ensure accountability, the Chief Minister asked departmental officials, district collectors and superintendents of police to personally inspect projects and monitor their progress at the field level. He called for coordinated action among departments to meet deadlines and ensure that the initiatives deliver meaningful social, economic and cultural benefits to Puri.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Puri District Magistrate Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh attended the meeting and briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the projects.
