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

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

Expected to cost around Rs 5,631 crore, the airport project is progressing steadily, with over 961 acres already acquired, leaving 221.48 acres of private land acquisition pending. An official overseeing the process affirmed the 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, the project's proposal underwent a public hearing for acquiring the necessary private land. Pending a few more essential clearances, the commencement of construction is imminent, as per officials.

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

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