Bhubaneswar: In a significant boost to Odisha’s infrastructure and connectivity, the Centre has approved the state government’s proposal for the construction of the Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri.

Environmental clearance confirmed

The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change conveyed its approval through a letter to the Odisha Government on April 1. The clearance follows due process under the Van (Sanrakshan Evam Samvardhan) Adhiniyam, 1980.

Proposal reviewed by Advisory Committee

The proposal, submitted by the Odisha Government, was examined by the Advisory Committee constituted under the Act on February 27, 2026. After detailed evaluation and recommendations, the competent authority granted Stage-I approval.

Forest land diversion approved

The approval permits diversion of 27.887 hectares of DLC forest land under the Puri Forest Division for the airport project, in accordance with Section 2 (1) (ii) of the Act.

Project builds on earlier in-principle nod

The latest clearance comes after the Centre had granted in-principle approval last year for setting up a greenfield airport in Puri, marking steady progress for the project.

Boost to pilgrimage and connectivity

The proposed airport is expected to significantly enhance direct connectivity between Puri—one of Hinduism’s four sacred pilgrimage sites—and major metropolitan cities across India, strengthening tourism and regional development.