Puri Greenfield Airport Gets Both Site Clearance and Policy Approval
Central Minister Confirms Airport Will Handle 4.6 Million Passengers Annually; Project to Boost Economy and Employment
Bhubaneswar : The proposed Greenfield airport in Puri has received both site clearance and policy approval from the central government, paving the way for further development of the much-anticipated project. This was revealed in a written response in the Rajya Sabha by Union Civil Aviation Minister Kinjarapu Ram Mohan Naidu.
Responding to a question raised by MP Subashish Khuntia, the Minister informed that the airport is expected to handle up to 4.6 million passengers annually. He further clarified that under the Greenfield Airport Policy, responsibilities such as land acquisition and securing environmental clearances lie with the state government.
According to the minister, site clearance was granted in September 2023, and the policy approval was officially issued to the Odisha government on May 6, 2025. Furthermore, in June 2025, an Expert Appraisal Committee recommended environmental clearance for the airport project.
Importantly, the Ministry of Defence has raised no objections to the project, eliminating a significant procedural hurdle.
The airport is expected to not only improve connectivity in coastal Odisha but also bring substantial economic benefits. According to estimates shared in Parliament, economic output is expected to grow 3.25 times, and employment opportunities may rise by 6.1 times once the airport becomes operational. This is especially significant for the temple town of Puri, a major pilgrimage and tourist destination, which until now has lacked a dedicated airport.
The development aligns with the broader infrastructure and tourism goals of both the central and state governments. With all major regulatory permissions in place, the project is now positioned to move into its next phase of implementation, subject to final environment clearance and physical land acquisition.
As per Greenfield Airport Policy norms, the Odisha government will be responsible for acquiring land and ensuring all regulatory environmental approvals. Once operational, the Puri Greenfield Airport is expected to play a crucial role in enhancing the state’s air connectivity and supporting the religious, cultural, and tourism economy of Odisha.
