Odisha CM Pushes Plan To Develop Puri As World-Class Tourism Hub
Majhi Directs Officials To Expedite Airport, Heritage Conservation And Infrastructure Projects
Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to accelerate key infrastructure and heritage conservation projects to transform Puri into a world-class heritage and tourism destination, while ensuring the smooth conduct of rituals at the Shree Jagannath Temple and safeguarding the welfare of servitors and local residents.
Chairing a high-level review meeting on development and infrastructure projects in Puri district at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday, Majhi stressed that all ongoing projects must be completed within the stipulated timelines, without compromising quality or overlooking the interests of people whose livelihoods are closely linked to the pilgrim city.
Describing Puri as not merely a district but a symbol of Odisha’s identity and a centre of faith for millions of devotees worldwide, the Chief Minister called for a comprehensive development approach that combines modern infrastructure with the preservation of the city’s rich spiritual, cultural and architectural heritage.
Among the major projects reviewed were the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport, reconstruction of the historic Raghunandan Library and establishment of the Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre. Majhi directed officials to expedite these projects to strengthen Puri’s tourism infrastructure and enhance the experience of domestic and international visitors.
The meeting also discussed the development of a new amusement park to attract tourists, comprehensive improvement of the Gundicha Temple and construction of a completely new kitchen for preparing Mahaprasad.
Emphasising the need to balance urban development with the livelihoods of local people, the Chief Minister directed officials to immediately rehabilitate street vendors removed from the Bada Danda, the grand avenue leading to the Shree Jagannath Temple, near Shree Setu.
The review covered several other heritage and religious sites across Puri district, including the Gopaljiu Temple at Sakhigopal, the Satalahadi Math associated with Atibadi Jagannath Das, other prominent monasteries in Puri and the Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur. Beautification and improved road connectivity to these sites are to be expedited.
The government is also pursuing the restoration of Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya along the lines of the traditional Gurukul education system and the revival of the historic Bakula Bana. Reconstruction of an iconic heritage bridge near Atharanala, redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre and beautification of Puri beach also figured prominently in the discussions.
The meeting further reviewed arrangements for the evening Aarti, the smooth conduct of Lord Jagannath’s Sagara Bije ritual and the overall development of Swargadwar, Puri’s prominent cremation ground.
On connectivity and infrastructure, officials discussed the widening of the Puri-Brahmagiri, Puri-Konark and Puri-Bhubaneswar roads. Projects associated with Shree Jagannath Medical College, the Blue Flag Beach, the proposed Astaranga port and the Konark Sun Temple area were also reviewed.
Majhi emphasised that the development of Puri must go beyond the creation of physical infrastructure. The needs of temple servitors, traders and residents must receive priority, and the benefits of government initiatives should translate into tangible improvements in people’s social and economic lives.
He warned that negligence, delays and irregularities in project execution would not be tolerated. Departmental officials, the district collector and the superintendent of police were directed to undertake field inspections and ensure time-bound implementation.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Sashwat Mishra, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh attended the meeting and briefed the Chief Minister on the progress of the projects.