- By Imran Zafar
- Mon, 08 Jan 2024 02:05 PM (IST)
- Source:ANI
The construction of the Sri Jagannath International Airport in Odisha’s Puri is expected to start soon as the land acquisition process is nearing completion, The state government official said that the land acquisition for the 1,164-acre project will be completed in the next six months. Out of the total land to be used for the construction, 68 acres are of forest and 221.48 acres are private lands in Brahmagiri tehsil.
The airport with an estimated cost of Rs 5,631 crore, will primarily serve the Puri region and promote Jagannath temple. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik has been requesting Prime Minister Narendra Modi to establish the airport since 2021.
The Ministry of Civil Aviation granted site clearance approval for the project last year after the government submitted all requisites in accordance with the Greenfield Airports (GFA) Policy, 2008.
"The project proposal was submitted after the identification of land and favourable obstacle limitation surfaces (OLS) survey. A public hearing for the acquisition of private land has been completed," said an official associated with the project, reported news agency ANI.
The private land required for the project includes 221.48 acres in Sipasarubali and Sandhapur under Brahmagiri tehsil. Plans for rehabilitation and resettlement of locals are also underway, an official said.
The closest airport to Puri, located around 64.6 kilometres from the heritage city of Jagannath Puri, is currently the Biju Patnaik Airport (IATA Code: BBI) in Bhubaneswar, the new airport is expected to boost connectivity and help pilgrims reach the temple town with ease.
