Bhubaneswar: In a major initiative aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and attracting large-scale private investment, the Odisha Cabinet on Monday approved the “Land Bank for Hospitality Infrastructure” scheme of the Department of Tourism.
The landmark programme seeks to create a robust foundation for tourism-led economic growth by making investment-ready land available for the development of world-class hospitality and tourism infrastructure across the state.
Tourism has emerged as a key driver of economic development, employment generation and regional prosperity. Leveraging its rich natural landscapes, cultural heritage, spiritual centres, wildlife resources and coastal attractions, Odisha has set an ambitious vision under Viksit Odisha 2036 and Viksit Odisha 2047 to emerge as one of the leading eco-tourism and cultural tourism destinations in India and Asia.
A major challenge in tourism infrastructure development has been the lack of readily available, contiguous, encroachment-free and investment-ready land parcels. To address this issue, the Cabinet approved the creation of a dedicated Tourism Land Bank under the Department of Tourism.
Under the scheme, around 5,500 acres of government and private land parcels will be identified and developed across major tourism destinations in Odisha. These include Chilika, Konark, Puri (Shamuka), Dhauli, Hirakud, Satkosia, Similipal, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi, Deomali, the Buddhist Circuit, Jiranga, Talsari and Tampara-Aryapalli, among others. Additional destinations may be included in future based on tourism potential and development requirements.
The scheme will be implemented over a five-year period from FY 2026-27 to FY 2030-31 with an annual outlay of ₹300 crore, involving a total estimated financial implication of ₹1,500 crore.
According to the government, the proposed Tourism Land Bank will facilitate destination-level master planning and provide investors with access to infrastructure-ready land parcels, thereby reducing project gestation periods and improving ease of doing business.
The initiative is expected to catalyse investments in hotels, resorts, convention centres, eco-tourism projects, wellness retreats, recreational facilities and other tourism-related infrastructure.
Designed as a statewide intervention, the scheme aims to ensure balanced regional development by supporting emerging tourism destinations and creating new economic opportunities in rural and remote areas. It is also expected to generate significant employment and livelihood opportunities for local communities, tourism service providers, artisans, entrepreneurs and youth.
The Department of Tourism will serve as the nodal agency for implementation of the scheme in coordination with the Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO), Odisha Tourism Development Corporation (OTDC), Revenue & Disaster Management Department, General Administration & Public Grievance Department and other concerned agencies.
The state government said the initiative would play a transformative role in achieving Odisha’s long-term tourism vision by creating a structured inventory of investment-ready land and facilitating the development of modern tourism infrastructure. The move is expected to attract greater private investment, increase tourist footfalls, expand quality accommodation capacity, strengthen local economies and position Odisha among Asia’s premier tourism destinations.
