Odisha to Finalise RFP Modalities for Puri International Airport Project

Bhubaneswar, July 4 — The Odisha Government is poised to take a significant step forward in the development of the proposed Puri International Airport, with plans underway to finalise the modalities for issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP). This development marks the transition of the project into its execution phase and signals the government’s commitment to transforming Puri into a global spiritual and cultural gateway.

The Puri International Airport, a flagship infrastructure initiative of the state, has already achieved several critical milestones. On September 22, 2023, the project received Site Clearance from the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India, followed by in-principle approval on May 6, 2025—laying the foundation for the next phase of development.

Spanning an area of 1,164 acres, the project requires minimal forest land diversion, with only 68 acres classified as District Level Committee (DLC)/Revenue Forest land. The Commerce & Transport Department has submitted all necessary documents to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC), and the Regional Empowered Committee (REC) under the Integrated Regional Office (IRO) in Bhubaneswar has recommended the project for Stage-I Forest Clearance.

Currently, the forest diversion proposal is under active consideration by the MoEF&CC. In a meeting on June 24, 2025, the Ministry’s Advisory Committee sought additional details, including a Wildlife Conservation Plan and mitigation strategies for ecologically sensitive species such as Olive Ridley turtles, dolphins, and migratory birds. The conservation plan is being developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).

Officials clarified that these are routine procedural steps for major infrastructure projects. The state government is already working on the necessary mitigation measures and will soon submit the updated plan to secure final Stage-I clearance.

In another major boost, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under MoEF&CC recommended Environmental Clearance for the project during its meeting on June 26, 2025.

Once operational, the Puri International Airport will provide direct air connectivity to one of India’s most revered spiritual and tourism destinations, significantly enhancing pilgrimage tourism, regional economic development, and employment opportunities. The project also reflects the Odisha Government’s broader commitment to sustainable infrastructure and inclusive growth.