States » EastPosted at: Oct 12 2026 9:43PM


Puri to be transformed as a world-class heritage and tourism destination:Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar, Oct 12 (UNI) Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Monday called for transforming the pilgrim town into a world-class heritage and tourism destination without compromising its religious traditions, cultural heritage and local livelihoods
Chairing a high level review meeting on a wide range of infrastructure, heritage conservation and tourism projects in Puri district,the Chief Minister directed officials to ensure time-bound execution, accelerate key works and prioritise the interests of local residents, servitors and traders.
Majhi said Puri was not merely a district but a symbol of Odisha’s identity and a centre of faith for millions of devotees of Lord Jagannath across the world.
The meeting reviewed the progress of the proposed Shri Jagannath International Airport, reconstruction of the Raghunandan Library and establishment of the Shri Jagannath Interpretation Centre.
The Chief Minister directed officials to expedite these projects and discussed plans for a new amusement park to enhance the town’s tourism appeal.
The government also decided to undertake comprehensive development of the Gundicha Temple and construct an entirely new kitchen for preparing Mahaprasad.
Majhi directed the immediate rehabilitation of street vendors removed from the Bada Danda, the grand road leading to the Jagannath Temple, near Shri Setu. He stressed that development initiatives must take into account the needs of local servitors, traders and residents.
The meeting also reviewed plans to beautify and improve road connectivity to the famous Gopaljew Temple at Sakhigopal, the Satalahadi Math associated with Atibadi Jagannath Das and other prominent maths in Puri, as well as the Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur.
The Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya is to be restored along the lines of the traditional Gurukul education system, while restoration work at Bakula Bana is also being undertaken, officials informed the meeting.
The reconstruction of an iconic heritage bridge near the historic Atharanala, redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre, beautification of Puri beach and comprehensive improvement of Swargadwar also figured prominently in the discussions. The meeting further stressed the proper management of the evening Alati ritual and the traditional Sagara Bije ritual of Lord Jagannath.
On connectivity, the Chief Minister reviewed proposals for widening the Puri-Brahmagiri, Puri-Konark and Puri-Bhubaneswar roads. Projects relating to Shri Jagannath Medical College, the Blue Flag Beach, the proposed Astaranga port and developments around the Konark Sun Temple were also examined.
Majhi instructed departmental officials to complete all projects intended to benefit residents and tourists within the stipulated deadlines, warning that negligence, delays and irregularities in implementation would not be tolerated.
Emphasising the need to protect Puri’s heritage and the livelihoods of its people, he said development must be inclusive and deliver tangible benefits to the local population. The administration must remain sensitive to the requirements of servitors, business communities and residents while implementing projects to international standards, he said.
The Chief Minister also directed departmental officials, district collectors and Superintendents of Police to conduct field inspections and closely monitor the progress of projects to ensure timely completion.
He called for coordinated and accountable efforts so that government schemes translated into tangible social, economic and cultural benefits rather than remaining confined to official records.
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D. K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Shashwat Mishra, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh attended the meeting and apprised the Chief Minister of the progress of various projects.
The state government said it was taking necessary measures to develop Puri as a world-class heritage and tourism destination while safeguarding the rituals of Lord Jagannath and promoting the welfare of the temple servitors
UNI DP
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