Bhubaneswar: The state government will build a state-of-the-art multipurpose convention centre in Odisha’s Puri city. The project is likely to transform the Holy City into a premier destination for conferences, cultural events, exhibitions, and large-scale public gatherings.

This was announced by Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra during an urban outreach programme, organised on the theme ‘Jan Bhagidari for Viksit Odisha: Empowered Citizens – Inclusive Cities – Sustainable Urban Future’.

The convention centre will have 1,000 seats 

The proposed convention centre, with a seating capacity of 1,000, is envisioned as a modern, world-class civic asset equipped with contemporary amenities and flexible event spaces capable of hosting national and international conventions, academic and professional conferences, cultural festivals, government functions, and community events.

The project is expected to address the long-standing need for a large, modern venue in Puri and significantly enhance the city's event-hosting capabilities.

Recognizing Puri's unique identity as one of India's most revered pilgrimage destinations and an emerging global tourism hub, Mahapatra emphasized that the convention centre would play a pivotal role in supporting the city's growing aspirations while complementing ongoing efforts to strengthen urban infrastructure and public amenities.

Puri Municipal Commissioner to take the necessary steps 

The Minister directed the Municipal Commissioner of Puri to initiate the necessary administrative processes and preparatory groundwork for the project on priority basis, ensuring its timely implementation.

"Puri occupies a special place on the global cultural and spiritual map. As the city continues to attract visitors, pilgrims, scholars, and delegates from across the country and abroad, the need for a modern convention facility has become increasingly important. This project will not only fill a critical infrastructure gap but also create new opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, knowledge-sharing, and economic growth. It represents our commitment to building future-ready urban centres that serve both citizens and visitors alike,” said the minister.

Govt plans similar civic infra in other ULBs 

Mahapatra further announced that the state government is developing a broader roadmap for the creation of similar multipurpose civic infrastructure across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Odisha in a phased manner. The initiative aims to strengthen urban amenities, encourage community engagement, and support the evolving needs of rapidly growing urban centres.

The announcement received an enthusiastic response from public representatives, citizens, and stakeholders present at the programme, who described the proposed convention centre as a transformative addition to Puri's urban landscape.

Once completed, the convention centre is expected to emerge as a landmark public facility, reinforcing Puri's stature as a leading cultural, spiritual, and tourism destination while contributing to Odisha's vision of sustainable, inclusive, and citizen-centric urban development.