Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to accelerate Puri infrastructure development projects, including airport, heritage conservation and tourism initiatives. He also stressed the need to rehabilitate street vendors and protect the city’s cultural identity.
Majhi chaired a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday. He called for development that addresses the needs of local residents, temple servitors, traders and street vendors.
The review covered major religious, transport and tourism projects across Puri and nearby areas. Additionally, the chief minister directed departmental secretaries and district officials to monitor progress and meet project deadlines.
Puri infrastructure development: Airport and heritage projects reviewed
Majhi directed officials to expedite work on the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport. He also reviewed plans to reconstruct Raghunandan Library and establish the Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre.
The meeting decided to build a new kitchen for preparing Mahaprasad. Officials also discussed the comprehensive development of Gundicha Temple and a proposed amusement park to attract tourists.
These projects form part of the broader push to improve facilities in the pilgrimage city. However, the government has also emphasised preserving Puri’s heritage alongside new infrastructure.
The review included the reconstruction of an iconic heritage bridge near Atharanala. Officials also discussed the redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre and the beautification of Puri beach.
Furthermore, the meeting examined plans to improve the Swargadwar cremation ground. These initiatives aim to upgrade public facilities while supporting the city’s religious and tourism activities.
Street vendor rehabilitation and temple facilities in focus
The chief minister directed officials to relocate street vendors removed from the Grand Road near the Shree Jagannath Temple. He asked authorities to arrange their immediate relocation to a designated site near Shri Setu.
The direction places vendor rehabilitation alongside the city’s infrastructure improvements. Majhi said development must account for the interests of traders and other local stakeholders.
The meeting also reviewed arrangements for the evening aarti and the smooth conduct of Lord Jagannath’s traditional ‘Sagar Bije’ ritual.
Additionally, officials discussed improving facilities at key religious sites around Puri. The government plans to expedite beautification work at Gopaljew Temple in Sakhigopal, Satalahadi Math and Maa Mangala Temple in Kakatpur.
Satalahadi Math has an association with saint-poet Atibadi Jagannath Das. The review also covered better road connectivity to these religious destinations.
Odisha reviews road connectivity and tourism infrastructure
Road widening projects connecting Puri with Brahmagiri, Konark and Bhubaneswar featured in the meeting.
Officials also reviewed projects associated with Shri Jagannath Medical College, Blue Flag Beach, Astaranga port and the Konark Sun Temple.
These projects cover transport links, healthcare, coastal infrastructure and tourism facilities. Consequently, their implementation could influence access to Puri and surrounding destinations.
The meeting also discussed restoring Satyabadi’s historic Bana Vidyalaya along traditional gurukul lines. Authorities considered the development of Bakula Bana as part of the wider heritage agenda.
The proposals extend the focus beyond Puri’s main pilgrimage areas. They also address cultural landmarks and tourism destinations across the surrounding region.
CM directs officials to meet project deadlines
Majhi instructed departmental secretaries, the Puri collector and the superintendent of police to monitor projects on the ground.
He stressed the need for timely implementation and accountability among the departments concerned. The chief minister also warned that delays, negligence and irregularities would not be tolerated.
The review places infrastructure delivery and heritage conservation at the centre of the state’s development agenda for Puri. Officials must now focus on advancing the projects within their stipulated timelines.
