Odisha CM Pushes for Faster Execution of Puri’s Major Tourism and Heritage Projects

Bhubaneswar: Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to accelerate key infrastructure and tourism projects in Puri, stressing that development must go hand in hand with the preservation of the city’s cultural heritage and the welfare of local communities.

During a high-level review meeting at Lok Seva Bhawan on Monday, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of several ongoing and proposed projects aimed at strengthening Puri’s position as a leading pilgrimage and tourist destination. He emphasised that the interests of residents, temple servitors, traders and street vendors must remain central to the development process.

Among the major projects reviewed were the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport, the rebuilding of Raghunandan Library and the establishment of a Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre. The meeting also discussed constructing a new kitchen for Mahaprasad preparation, developing the Gundicha Temple complex and setting up an amusement park to enhance the tourist experience.

Majhi instructed the administration to arrange an alternative location near Shri Setu for street vendors displaced from the Grand Road area near the Shree Jagannath Temple. He also reviewed plans to restore the historic bridge near Atharanala, renovate Annapurna Theatre, improve the appearance of Puri beach and upgrade facilities at the Swargadwar cremation ground.

Special attention was given to religious traditions and visitor facilities, including arrangements for the evening aarti and the proper conduct of Lord Jagannath’s traditional ‘Sagar Bije’ ritual.

The state government also plans to speed up development work at several important religious and cultural sites, including Gopaljew Temple in Sakhigopal, Satalahadi Math associated with saint-poet Atibadi Jagannath Das, and Maa Mangala Temple in Kakatpur. Better road connectivity to these destinations is also part of the plan.

The restoration of the historic Bana Vidyalaya in Satyabadi, following traditional gurukul principles, and the development of Bakula Bana were among the other initiatives discussed.

Connectivity and large-scale infrastructure projects also featured prominently in the review. Officials presented updates on road expansion works linking Puri with Brahmagiri, Konark and Bhubaneswar, alongside projects involving Shri Jagannath Medical College, Blue Flag Beach, Astaranga port and the iconic Konark Sun Temple.

To ensure timely execution, Majhi instructed the concerned departmental secretaries, the Puri district collector and the superintendent of police to conduct regular on-site inspections and closely monitor progress.

The Chief Minister made it clear that delays, negligence and irregularities in project implementation would not be tolerated, directing officials to complete the assigned works within the prescribed timelines.