Odisha Speeds Up Tourism Development Drive

Bhubaneswar: The Odisha government has decided to fast-track the development of the tourism sector in the state with major initiatives including the redevelopment of Dhauli, promotion of electric vehicles for tourism transport, and the creation of a dedicated tourism land bank.

The decision was taken during a high-level review meeting of the Tourism Department chaired by Deputy Chief Minister and Tourism Minister Pravati Parida at Tourism Bhawan in Bhubaneswar on Tuesday.

During the meeting, officials reviewed the progress of ongoing tourism infrastructure projects, development works at key tourist destinations, and promotional strategies to boost tourist inflow across the state.

Parida directed officials to give priority to development works in and around Dhauli under the proposed Dhauli Master Plan. She stressed the use of electric vehicles for tourist and local transport services to promote eco-friendly tourism and improve convenience for visitors.

The minister also emphasized the beautification and integrated development of Kapileshwar Temple, Sukhmeswar Temple, Dasia Bauri Peeth, and other heritage sites located along the Bhubaneswar-Puri corridor. Officials were instructed to coordinate with the concerned departments and complete approvals and execution of the projects at the earliest.

The department’s publicity and advertising plan for the Bhubaneswar-Puri corridor was also discussed in view of the upcoming Rath Yatra and the expected rise in tourist and pilgrim footfall.

The meeting also reviewed initiatives related to homestay promotion, adventure tourism, tourist safety and security, and sanitation facilities at major tourist destinations.

In another key decision, the government approved the creation of a special tourism land bank, similar to those developed for other industries, to facilitate tourism infrastructure projects and attract investment in the sector.

The meeting was attended by Ekamra-Bhubaneswar MLA Babu Singh, Pipili MLA Ashrit Patnaik, Tourism Commissioner-cum-Secretary Balwant Singh, Director Deepankar Mohapatra, and other senior officials of the Tourism Department.

The renewed focus is expected to strengthen tourism infrastructure and position Odisha as a more attractive and sustainable tourist destination.