Key Takeaways
• Shree Jagannath Airport gains central approval in May 2025 for a 1,164-acre greenfield site near Puri.
• Projected to handle 4.6 million passengers annually, the airport invests Rs 5,631 crore ($680 million) and creates local jobs.
• Environmental measures include energy-efficient terminals, solar power, and fair treatment for displaced landowners during land acquisition.
India’s decision to build a new greenfield airport called Shree Jagannath Airport near Puri is drawing a lot of attention both in the country and abroad. This airport, recently approved by the central government, is set to change the way people visit one of Hinduism’s holiest towns while also helping the economy of the region. Many expect it to open the door for millions of travelers, raise the area’s profile on the world map, and create jobs for local residents.
Let’s look at what Shree Jagannath Airport means for Puri, how it will shape religious tourism, help the local economy, bring new development, and what steps are being taken to protect the land and people affected by this major project.
Shree Jagannath Airport: The Project in Focus
The greenfield airport near Puri is being called “Shree Jagannath Airport.” In aviation, the word “greenfield” simply means that the airport is built on brand new land, not on the site of any old or existing airport. This makes it possible to plan and design every part from the ground up, including the runways, terminal, and support buildings.
This project got its first major clearance from the central government in May 2025, when the Civil Aviation Ministry gave its approval for the site. Earlier, in September 2023, the central government gave “site clearance” which allowed the next steps to begin. The total land selected for the airport is about 1,164 acres. In simple terms, that’s about the size of more than 800 football fields put together. The actual site sits next to the Puri-Brahmagiri road, covering areas near Sipasarubali and Sandhapur villages.
Building the airport will involve three stages, allowing for better planning and adjustment as the needs of travelers grow. By the time all three phases are finished, the airport is set to handle up to 4.6 million passengers each year. The government has set aside about Rs 5,631 crore (or roughly $680 million) for the entire project.
The Odisha government and Airports Authority of India are working closely with other partners and aiming to finish the airport as quickly as possible. Land acquisition—the process of arranging and clearing the property so that building can start—is already in progress.
Why Build an Airport in Puri?
Puri is one of India’s most famous pilgrimage destinations and is deeply important in the Hindu religion. The city is best known for the Jagannath Temple, which is one of the four “Char Dhams”—meaning four of the most sacred places for pilgrims in Hinduism. Each year, millions of people from across India and from other countries come to Puri. They want to see the temple, attend religious festivals, or spend time by the sea.
Until now, getting to Puri has not been easy. The closest airport is in Bhubaneswar, about 60 kilometers (about 37 miles) away. Most visitors either book a taxi from the airport, take a train, or use a bus. During big events like the world-famous Rath Yatra (a religious festival where huge chariots carry the deities), the roads and trains get very crowded.
Having a new airport so close to Puri will make travel much easier. Direct flights to the city will cut down on travel time and give visitors more comfort, especially for families or older people who find long road journeys difficult. Better access will not only help Indian travelers but also make it easier for people from other countries to come and experience spiritual India.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, the move is expected to strengthen Puri’s reputation as a top destination for spiritual and cultural travelers worldwide. Analysts believe that easier connections between big cities and Puri will bring even more visitors, especially during large festivals and holiday seasons.
Growth of Religious Tourism
Religious travel is a large and growing part of the travel industry, not just in India but across the world. Studies show that religious tourism involves about 800 million people worldwide each year, with a total value of around $18 billion. India, with its many sacred sites, is one of the leaders in this kind of travel.
Puri stands out on this list. In 2024, OYO’s Travelopedia named Puri as one of the three top religious travel spots in India—right alongside Varanasi and Haridwar. With a new airport at its doorstep, Puri will attract even more attention from Indian and foreign travelers.
Some of the expected benefits include:
- Direct flights from cities like Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, and Bangalore to Puri.
- International visitors can arrive without a long road journey after their flight to India.
- Religious tours and group travel will be easier to organize, especially for older tourists.
- Pilgrims coming for the Rath Yatra and other festivals can avoid the usual rush and delays.
- The town’s spiritual and cultural identity will reach a much bigger audience.
Improved travel options will support not only the main temple’s visitors but also those exploring the region’s beaches, heritage sites, and art centers.
Economic Benefits for Odisha and Puri
Besides helping pilgrims and tourists, the Shree Jagannath Airport project is also designed to boost the economy in and around Puri. The airport will help in the following ways:
- Jobs during construction and after: Building the airport itself takes a lot of people—from engineers and laborers to planners and safety experts. After opening, the airport will need staff for everything from security checks to cleaning, guiding passengers, handling luggage, and running shops and restaurants.
- Growth of related industries: Hotels, guest houses, restaurants, and street food stalls will likely see more business. Transportation services (like taxis, buses, auto-rickshaws, and car rentals) will get more customers.
- More investment: As the number of visitors rises, more people will want to invest in Puri. This includes investors who may want to open new hotels, build shopping centers, or start tourist-friendly businesses.
- Rise in local entrepreneurship: Locals may start small businesses to sell handicrafts, offer guided tours, or organize transport, helping the community grow alongside tourism.
Usha Padhi, Odisha’s Secretary for Housing, Urban Development, and Commerce & Transport, said the airport is more than just a structure—it acts like a doorway, opening up the city to the country and the world. She called it a “forward-looking gateway” expected to bring in a steady flow of national and international tourists.
Community and Environmental Impact
While the benefits are many, the project’s leaders are also looking at the challenges of building such a big airport. The chosen land stands close to the sea, which means careful planning is needed to keep the coastline and local wildlife safe.
The government and its partners have announced a focus on green and fair development. This includes:
- Energy-efficient terminals: Buildings will be built to use less electricity, with the help of modern techniques that keep them cool or warm with less energy.
- Solar power: The airport plans to have its own solar panels to generate clean power.
- Rainwater harvesting: Systems to collect and use rainwater will help lower the strain on the local water supply.
- Green building materials: The use of eco-friendly bricks, paints, and materials will keep the environmental footprint low.
There’s also a strong commitment to fair treatment of people whose lands are being taken for the airport. This means:
- Conducting fair land deals, where affected landowners are paid a fair price and are helped to find new homes or jobs.
- Holding community consultations, where locals can share their thoughts and concerns about the project.
- Ensuring that everyone’s rights are respected every step of the way.
Environmental experts have pointed out the challenges of building so close to the coast. They are working together with planners to make sure all risks are tested and reduced. The goal is to protect both people and the environment.
If you want to learn more about the government’s approach to airports and sustainable infrastructure, the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s official portal (https://www.civilaviation.gov.in/) shares updates on new projects and policies.
The Building Timeline and Steps Ahead
Bringing an airport from idea to reality is a long, multi-step process. Here’s the estimated timeline and what’s happening now:
- September 2023: The central government gave the first green signal, known as “site clearance,” letting the local Odisha government start initial planning for the area chosen for the airport.
- May 2025: The Ministry of Civil Aviation officially granted “in-principle” approval—meaning the government agrees with building the airport (although more approvals are still needed for each step).
- 2024 and Beyond: The present phase involves buying land, working through the resettlement process for anyone living on the land, detailed design, and the start of construction when ready.
As of now, land acquisition is underway, and officials are working with families who are being asked to move, making sure to give clear communication and support.
The final construction schedule, opening date, and next steps will depend on how quickly all approvals and groundwork move forward. However, excitement is building among the community, spiritual leaders, and the travel industry.
Why Shree Jagannath Airport Matters
Big projects like Shree Jagannath Airport are not just about runways and terminals—they stand for dreams of better travel, stronger economies, and respect for history and culture. For a city like Puri, with its ancient temple and deep spiritual roots, the airport brings new hope:
- For pilgrims, the journey becomes shorter and safer, especially during large festivals and ceremonies.
- For local businesses, there are more opportunities to grow and earn.
- For Odisha, it is a step toward being seen as an international center for culture and spirituality.
- For planners and government officials, it’s a way to show how smart infrastructure can connect people while protecting the environment and keeping traditions alive.
VisaVerge.com’s investigation reveals the airport’s unique importance: it stands as proof that new development doesn’t have to come at the cost of local culture or fairness to local communities. With care, balance, and good planning, everyone can share in the gains.
Conclusion and What’s Next
Shree Jagannath Airport, as Odisha’s first greenfield airport, is about to bring real change to the region. Easier travel will help pilgrims and tourists reach Puri, making it a shining stop for anyone drawn to spiritual India. Local people and businesses will see new chances for work and growth.
The hope is that, through fair land deals, a focus on green technologies, and open conversations between leaders and the community, the airport will serve as a model for other big projects in India.
If you’re thinking of traveling to or investing in Puri, keep an eye on official updates from the Civil Aviation Ministry. As the airport moves from blueprint to reality, it will shape not just the next trip to Puri but the future of Indian travel itself.
For more detailed information or ongoing updates, visit the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s official website, which lists current and new airport projects, including the Shree Jagannath Airport.
With Shree Jagannath Airport preparing to take off, Puri stands ready to open its doors even wider to the world—connecting faith, culture, and progress like never before.
Learn Today
Greenfield airport → A completely new airport constructed on previously undeveloped land, allowing for modern infrastructure and design from scratch.
Land acquisition → The legal process where government obtains private land for public development, ensuring compensation and resettlement for affected residents.
Pilgrimage destination → A significant location visited by people for religious, spiritual, or sacred reasons, attracting large crowds during festivals.
Char Dhams → Four sacred pilgrimage sites in Hinduism, including Puri, that devotees strive to visit at least once in their lifetime.
Rainwater harvesting → The collection and storage of rainwater from surfaces for reuse, reducing strain on traditional water supplies and benefiting sustainability.
This Article in a Nutshell
Shree Jagannath Airport, a new greenfield project, will transform access to Puri, boosting spiritual tourism and economic prospects. With government backing, extensive environmental safeguards, and fair community compensation, Odisha’s airport is set to connect millions globally, making Puri a visible international hub and a model for future growth.
— By VisaVerge.com
Read more:
• NRI Woman Alleges Rape at Chanakyapuri Hotel: Case Under Investigation
• International Students Exploit Bridging Visas in Australia
• H-4 visa holders face travel risks with visa renewal delays
• Grassley Criticizes USCIS Over Voter Data Compliance
• North Korea Recalls Students Abroad for Ideological Training
