The development of the Shree Jagannath International Airport (SJIA) in Puri has taken a significant step forward as the Odisha government submitted additional environmental documentation to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC).
These submissions, including bird and wetland study reports sought by the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC), are crucial for obtaining statutory environmental clearances required to proceed with the project.
Proposed to be built in phases, the airport aims to initially handle 3.71 million passengers per annum, with capacity expected to scale up to 14.6 million by 2043–45. Phase 1 alone anticipates around 100 flight operations per day. The site is strategically located along NH-316 between Bhubaneswar and Puri, under the jurisdiction of the state’s Commerce and Transport Department.
The project involves seeking forest clearance for land categorized as tropical dry deciduous forest, primarily comprising casuarina, cashew, and acacia plantations. With a crown density of 0.4–0.5 and classified as eco-value Class-III, the area will see the felling of 13,504 trees across 1,291 species. However, an avian survey conducted from January to April this year recorded 63 bird species across 39 families, none of which are endangered. The site does not fall within any protected avian or wildlife habitat, as per the environmental report.
Earlier in May, the Ministry of Civil Aviation granted in-principle approval to the project. The Odisha government has earmarked 1,164 acres for construction, with a projected cost of ₹5,631 crore across three phases. Although a formal construction timeline and inauguration date have not yet been announced, the project is seen as central to boosting tourism, improving air connectivity, and establishing Puri as a major spiritual and cultural gateway.
