Odisha CM Naveen Patnaik urges PM to establish Sri Jagannath International Airport at Puri

New Delhi: In a letter, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik requested Prime Minister Modi to ask the Ministry of Civil Aviation to establish an international airport in Puri as a priority project. The proposed airport will help bring Jagannath devotees from across the world to Puri.

Patnaik informed in the letter that the land has been identified for the airport and the state government will extend all possible assistance to the Centre for establishing the airport in a record time. Puri, the abode of Lord Jagannath is revered as one among the Char Dhams and crores of Hindus devotees from across the globe visit the pilgrim town every year.

“The Sun Temple of Konark, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is just 35 km away from Puri and along with the adjacent Ramachandi-Chandrabhaga beaches provides a unique experience to national and international tourists, ” said CM in the letter.

He further added that Puri is organically linked to two Ramsar sites – Chilka Lake (India’s first Ramsar site and UNESCO World Heritage site) on one side and Bhitarkanika National Park on the other side. Both these locations have huge potential for international eco-tourism. 

Puri beach has been recently transformed into a Blue Flag beach with world-class experience for the tourists. Most of the historic Buddhist Heritage sites like Dhauli, Ratnagiri, etc., with travel time within 3 hours from Puri, attract Buddhist Pilgrims from across the World. The long coastline and adjoining bay area near Puri are an ideal location for promoting new world economic activities, leisure and hospitality, health and spiritual centres, Patnaik wrote.