The proposed Puri International Airport, a flagship infrastructure initiative by the Government of Odisha, has made substantial progress with several key approvals and regulatory milestones, reaffirming its path toward realisation.
The project, which aims to transform the coastal town of Puri into an international gateway, received a crucial boost when the Ministry of Civil Aviation (MoCA) of the Government of India granted Site Clearance for the Greenfield airport on September 22, 2023. This was followed by in-principle approval from the Central Government on May 6, 2025, providing the green light for further development.
Covering a total area of 1,164 acres, the project requires minimal forest diversion, with only 68 acres classified as District Level Committee (DLC)/Revenue Forest land. The Commerce and Transport Department of the Government of Odisha has submitted all necessary compliance documentation to the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEF&CC). The Regional Empowered Committee (REC) under MoEF&CC in Bhubaneswar has recommended the project for Stage-I Forest Clearance.
The forest diversion proposal is currently under active consideration by the Central Ministry. During a meeting held on June 24, 2025, the Advisory Committee of MoEF&CC requested additional inputs, including a Wildlife Conservation Plan and mitigation measures for ecologically sensitive species such as Olive Ridley turtles, dolphins, and migratory birds. This conservation plan is being developed in collaboration with the Wildlife Institute of India (WII).
Government officials explained that these measures are part of the standard protocol for large-scale infrastructure projects. The Commerce and Transport Department has already started preparing the required mitigation measures in line with the Advisory Committee’s recommendations and will submit the plan to secure Stage-I clearance.
In a significant regulatory achievement, the Expert Appraisal Committee (EAC) under MoEF&CC has already recommended Environmental Clearance for the project following its meeting on June 26, 2025.
With these critical developments in place, the Government of Odisha is expected to finalise the procedures for issuing a Request for Proposal (RFP), moving the project into its execution phase.
Once operational, the Puri International Airport will provide direct air connectivity to one of India’s most revered spiritual and cultural destinations, boosting tourism, employment, and regional economic development. The project also reflects Odisha’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure and responsible growth.
