Odisha CM urges PM for establishment of international airport at Puri
BHUBANESWAR: Chief minister Naveen Patnaik on Friday urged Prime Minister Narendra Modi to ask the ministry of civil aviation to establish an international airport at Puri, which is located just 60km from Biju Patnaik International Airport in Bhubaneswar.
Naveen requested to name the proposed airport as Sri Jagannath International Airport. In a letter to Modi, Naveen cited several reasons for establishing an international airport in Puri. Naveen said Puri has the potential to become a hub of spiritual, international tourism and economic activities.
“Puri is one of the four holy dhams in the country. The world famous Rath Yatra of Jagannath temple at Puri attracts lakhs of pilgrims and visitors from across the globe every year. The holy Rath Yatra is celebrated across 192 countries. The proposed international airport will help bring devotees from across the world to Puri and promote Jagannath culture globally,” Naveen’s letter said.
It must be noted, the proposal of the new airport came when the state government is busy transforming Puri into a world heritage city. The ongoing development of Jagannath heritage corridor, a world-class beautification project around the 12th century shrine, is Naveen’s dream project.
Naveen said the Sun Temple at Konark, a UNESCO world heritage site, is just 35km from Puri. The adjacent Ramchandi-Chandrabhaga beaches provide a unique experience to domestic and international tourists.
“Puri has been recently transformed into Blue Flag beach with world-class experience for tourists. Puri is originally linked to two Ramsar sites—Chilika Lake (a UNESCO world heritage site) on one side and Bhitarakanika national park on the other. Both these sites have huge potential for international eco-tourism,” Naveen said.
The chief minister said the sprawling coastline and adjoining bay area near Puri is an ideal location to promote new economic activities, leisure and hospitality, health and spiritual centres. “The coastal highway passes through the area and connects Paradip Port (114 away from Puri) and the greenfield Astarang Port (60km away from Puri). There is a great potential for economic synergy along the entire corridor,” Naveen said.
He said the proposed airport can attract more Buddhist tourists. Most of the historic Buddhist sites, including Dhauli and Ratnagiri can be travelled within 3 hours from Puri.
“The state government has identified land for the proposed airport at Puri. I request that the civil aviation ministry may be asked to take up this airport as a priority project,” Naveen wrote.