Dikhyaa Mohanty 
The proposed Puri International Airport — a flagship infrastructure project of the Government of Odisha — has recorded major progress with a series of key clearances and regulatory milestones, reaffirming its trajectory toward realisation. The project, aimed at transforming the coastal town of Puri into an international gateway, received a crucial boost when the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India, granted Site Clearance for the Greenfield airport on September 22, 2023. This was followed by in-principle approval from the Centre on May 6, 2025, marking a green light for further development.
The planned Puri International Airport, a showpiece infrastructure project of the government of Odisha, has advanced significantly with several important approvals and regulatory milestones, strengthening its course to completion. The project, which intends to transform the coastal town of Puri into an international gateway, received a major boost on September 22, 2023, when the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA), Government of India, granted Site Clearance for the Greenfield airport. The Center gave in-principle authorization on May 6, 2025, meaning that further growth was allowed.
The forest diversion proposal is now under active consideration by the Central Ministry. In its meeting held on June 24, 2025, the Advisory Committee of MoEF&CC sought additional inputs, including a Wildlife Conservation Plan and mitigation measures for ecologically sensitive species such as Olive Ridley turtles, dolphins, and migratory birds. The conservation plan is currently being prepared in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Such actions are a part of the regular procedure for major infrastructure projects, government officials explained. In accordance with the recommendations of the Advisory Committee, the Commerce & Transport Department has already started to prepare the necessary mitigation measures and will submit the plan to get Stage-I approval. The Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under MoEF&CC has already approved Environmental Clearance for the project in its meeting on June 26, 2025, marking a significant regulatory milestone. The project will enter its execution phase after the Government of Odisha finalizes the procedures for releasing a Request for Proposal (RFP) in light of these crucial developments.
The Puri International Airport will increase tourism, employment, and regional economic development by providing direct air access to one of India’s most respected spiritual and cultural attractions once it is open. The initiative also demonstrates Odisha’s dedication to responsible growth and sustainable infrastructure.
