Greenfield Status Approved for Puri Airport, Ushering a New Era for Odisha’s Tourism and Connectivity

Puri: In a major boost to Odisha’s infrastructure and tourism ambitions, the proposed Puri Airport has been granted Greenfield status by the Government of India, officially placing the project on the fast track for development. This strategic milestone promises to transform Puri—one of India’s most sacred pilgrimage cities—into a globally connected spiritual destination.

The approval comes as a critical step toward realizing the state’s vision of improving air connectivity and unlocking new avenues for economic, cultural, and tourism-led growth. As part of this momentum, Principal Secretary Usha Padhee visited the project site today and reviewed key aspects including land acquisition and rehabilitation and resettlement (RR) proposals.

“The Puri Airport is not just about infrastructure; it is about building a future-ready gateway that will elevate Puri’s profile on the global spiritual tourism map,” she noted. “With the Greenfield Airport approval, we are now poised to accelerate development with sustainability and world-class standards.”

Puri, home to the world-famous Jagannath Temple and the grand Rath Yatra, receives millions of visitors annually. However, the absence of a local airport has long posed a barrier to seamless travel. With the upcoming Greenfield airport, both domestic and international tourists will have direct access to the city, reducing travel time and improving overall visitor experience.

The airport is also poised to support the rising demand for air connectivity in the region while providing a gateway to Odisha’s broader spiritual and cultural circuits.

Beyond boosting tourism, the Puri Airport is expected to act as a growth engine for the regional economy. Sectors such as hospitality, transport, logistics, and service industries are likely to benefit, creating new jobs and entrepreneurial opportunities for local communities.

The Government of Odisha, in collaboration with the Airports Authority of India (AAI) and other stakeholders, is committed to implementing the project with a sustainable, inclusive, and heritage-sensitive approach. Emphasis is being placed on ecological conservation, local engagement, and responsible development practices.

With the official Greenfield designation, the Puri Airport project now enters a critical phase of execution—backed by policy clarity, institutional coordination, and public enthusiasm. This milestone marks Odisha’s growing aspiration to strengthen its aviation network and reinforce its identity as a premier spiritual tourism hub.