Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to Odisha’s connectivity and tourism, Minister of Civil Aviation Rammohan Naidu Kinjarapu granted in-principle approval for the establishment of a Greenfield airport in Puri on Monday (May 5).
The announcement, part of the Ministry of Civil Aviation’s commitment to expanding air connectivity under Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s leadership, also includes approval for a similar airport in Kota, Rajasthan.
Puri, a sacred pilgrimage destination revered for the Lord Jagannath Temple, attracts millions of devotees and tourists annually.
The proposed airport is expected to enhance direct connectivity between Puri and major metropolitan cities, providing a major impetus to religious tourism, regional development, and overall connectivity in Odisha.
This development aligns with the government’s goal of strengthening last-mile air connectivity and making air travel accessible to all.
The approval for Kota’s airport, a long-pending demand, was driven by the persistent efforts of Lok Sabha Speaker and Kota-Bundi MP Om Birla. The airport will serve Kota, a key educational and industrial hub, and the Hadoti region, fostering economic growth and enabling connectivity to major domestic and international destinations.
According to an official press release from the Ministry of Civil Aviation, these projects mark significant milestones in infrastructure development and reflect the government’s commitment to inclusive air travel.
The airports in Puri and Kota are poised to transform regional connectivity, boost economic activity, and enhance accessibility for millions.