The Shree Jagannath International Airport project in Puri has crossed major milestones, Union Civil Aviation Minister K Rammohan Naidu informed the Rajya Sabha.

The Ministry granted ‘in principle’ approval on May 6, while the Expert Appraisal Committee recommended environmental clearance on June 5. Phase-1 is planned to handle 4.6 million passengers annually, aiming to make Puri a prominent aviation hub in eastern India. Developed under the Greenfield Airports Policy, 2008, the two-stage approval process includes site clearance and ‘in principle’ approval.

The state government, as project proponent, will oversee land acquisition, rehabilitation, funding, and environmental clearances. The Ministry of Defence has already issued a no-objection certificate. Naidu stressed the timeline will depend on land acquisition, mandatory approvals, and financial closure.

The airport is expected to spur tourism, employment, and land value appreciation, boosting tax and stamp duty revenues. Strategically located near the Jagannath Temple, it will enhance religious tourism and improve international accessibility to the pilgrimage centre.