In a high-level review meeting held today at Lok Seva Bhavan, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi directed officials to accelerate the transformation of Puri into a world-class heritage and tourism destination while safeguarding the interests of local sevayats, traders, and residents.
Chairing the session focused on key development and infrastructure projects in Puri district, the Chief Minister emphasised that Puri is not merely a district but the very identity of Odisha and a sacred centre of faith for millions of Lord Jagannath devotees worldwide. He instructed that every development initiative must be executed with a global vision, yet with the needs of local stakeholders as the top priority.
Among the major projects reviewed were the ongoing construction of the Shri Jagannath International Airport, the reconstruction of the historic Raghunandan Library, and the establishment of the Shri Jagannath Interpretation Centre. Officials were asked to speed up these works. Discussions also covered plans for a new amusement park to attract tourists, the comprehensive development of Gundicha Temple, and the construction of a modern kitchen for preparing Mahaprasad.
The Chief Minister directed that street vendors and temporary shops removed from Bada Danda be immediately relocated on a temporary basis near Shri Setu to minimise disruption to livelihoods. Beautification and improved road connectivity were prioritised for several important sites, including the famous Gopaljiu Temple at Sakhigopal, the Satlahari Math associated with Atibadi Jagannath Das, other prominent maths in Puri, and the Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur.
Cultural and heritage restoration also featured prominently. The Satyabadi Banavidyalaya is to be revived on the lines of the traditional gurukul education system, while restoration work at Bakulban continues. Other initiatives include the reconstruction of an iconic heritage bridge near Atharanala, redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre, beautification of Puri beach, better management of the evening aarti and the ‘Sagar Bije’ niti of Mahaprabhu, and overall improvement of Swargadwar.
On the infrastructure front, the meeting reviewed the widening and improvement of the Puri–Brahmagiri, Puri–Konark, and Puri–Bhubaneswar roads. Detailed progress updates were also taken on the Shri Jagannath Medical College, Blue Flag Beach certification efforts, Astaranga Port, and projects linked to the Konark Temple.
Chief Minister Majhi stressed that all ongoing works must be completed within stipulated timelines without any negligence, delay, or irregularity. He directed departmental officers, the Puri Collector, and the Superintendent of Police to personally monitor progress on the ground. He called upon all stakeholders to work in a coordinated manner so that government schemes deliver tangible social, economic, and cultural benefits to the people of Puri rather than remaining limited to paperwork.
Senior officials present at the meeting included Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary Shashwat Mishra, Puri Collector Dibyajyoti Parida, and Superintendent of Police Pratik Singh, who briefed the Chief Minister on the status of the various projects.
The review underscores the state government’s focused push to blend spiritual heritage, modern infrastructure, and inclusive growth in Odisha’s most revered pilgrim town.
