The Centre has accorded in-principle approval for the proposed greenfield airport at  Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri.

The approval from the Ministry of Civil Aviation came four days after Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi pushed for fast-tracking of the international airport at Puri. The ministry stated that the decision marks an important milestone for Puri and Odisha.

Union Civil Aviation minister Kinjarapu Rammohan Naidu said  that the move is in line with the government’s commitment to strengthening last-mile air connectivity and making air travel accessible to all.

The Union Minister said that the in-principle approval has also been accorded to another greenfield airport project at Kota in Rajasthan. 

He said Puri, one of the most sacred pilgrimage sites in India and home to Lord Jagannath, attracts millions of devotees and tourists from across the country and the world.

“The decision to establish an airport in Puri will provide a major boost to religious tourism, regional development, and overall connectivity in the region. The airport will also be able to enhance direct connectivity between Puri and major metropolitan cities in India,” he said.