Kolkata to Puri in just 1 hour? Possible. BIG update on Jagannath Puri International Airport

Puri: Efforts toward establishing Sri Jagannath International Airport in Puri, Odisha, are garing pace as land acquisition process moves swiftly and nears its completion. Officials confirmed that acquisition of 1,164 acres for airport is set to conclude within next six months. Among land, 68 acres belong to forests, while 221.48 acres constitute private holdings in Brahmagiri tehsil.

Expected to cost around Rs 5,631 crore, airport project is progressing steily, with over 961 acres alrey acquired, leaving 221.48 acres of private land acquisition pending. An official overseeing process affirmed six-month timeline for completing land acquisition, outlining specific areas requiring attention, including 153.37 acres in Sipasarubali and 68.11 acres in Sandhapur. Plans for resettlement and rehabilitation of affected locals are also in motion.

Post land identification and favorable obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS) survey, project's proposal underwent a public hearing for acquiring necessary private land. Pending a few more essential clearances, commencement of construction is imminent, as per officials.

Last year, Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) granted site clearance approval for Sri Jagannath International Airport project, aligning with Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy of 2008. airport aims to cater primarily to Puri region, an area presently served by Biju Patnaik Airport, situated approximately 64.6 kilometers away in Bhubaneswar. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik h vocated for this project in 2021, urging Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish an international airport in Puri to bolster Jagannath culture. Continuing his efforts, Patnaik has consistently stressed airport's significance for region during subsequent interactions with PM Modi.

Currently, Biju Patnaik Airport in Bhubaneswar is closest airport to Puri, located around 64.6 kilometres from heritage city. new airport is expected to boost connectivity and help pilgrims reach temple town with ease from neighbouring states and across Nation.