Dhauli To Get EV-Based Tourist Mobility Under Odisha Tourism Push

Bhubaneswar: Odisha’s tourism infrastructure projects, destination development plans and investment proposals came under detailed review on Tuesday as Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida chaired a high-level meeting aimed at strengthening the state’s tourism ecosystem ahead of the upcoming Rath Yatra season.

The review meeting, held at Paryatan Bhawan in Bhubaneswar, focused on ongoing tourism projects, heritage destination development, tourist amenities and promotional strategies across key travel circuits in the state.

A major focus of the discussion was the integrated development of the Bhubaneswar–Puri tourism corridor, particularly around the heritage site of Dhauli. The Minister directed officials to introduce electric vehicle (EV) services in and around Dhauli to encourage eco-friendly tourism and improve connectivity for visitors under the proposed Dhauli Master Plan.

The meeting also reviewed plans for beautification and infrastructure enhancement at prominent religious and heritage sites including Kapileswar Temple, Sukhmeswar Temple and Dasia Bauri Pitha. Officials were instructed to coordinate with relevant departments to ensure timely execution of the proposed works after obtaining necessary approvals.

Keeping in view the expected influx of tourists and pilgrims during Rath Yatra, the Tourism Department also discussed an extensive promotional and advertisement strategy for the Bhubaneswar–Puri corridor to enhance visitor outreach and tourism visibility.

Issues relating to homestay promotion, adventure tourism, tourist safety, sanitation and visitor convenience at major tourist destinations were also reviewed during the meeting. The Minister stressed the need to position Odisha as a clean, secure and culturally vibrant tourism destination.

The meeting further examined various policy measures aimed at attracting private investment into the tourism sector. The Minister emphasised the creation of a dedicated tourism land bank to facilitate hospitality projects and future tourism infrastructure development across the state.

She also appreciated the Tourism Department for timely approval of hospitality projects and disbursal of capital investment subsidies to tourism investors.