Puri Transformation Plan: Odisha Government Reviews Projects to Shape World-Class Heritage City
Odisha government reviews projects to transform Puri into a world-class heritage city while preserving Lord Jagannath’s spiritual legacy
Bhubaneswar: Puri, one of India’s holiest pilgrimage destinations and the abode of Lord Jagannath, is poised for a massive transformation aimed at elevating its global heritage and spiritual prominence. On Friday, Deputy Chief Minister Pravati Parida and Law, Works, and Excise Minister Prithviraj Harichandan co-chaired a high-level review meeting to assess progress and finalize strategies for the city’s redevelopment.
Deputy CM Pravati Parida highlighted that Puri and the sacred Shree Jagannath Temple hold immense cultural and spiritual significance worldwide. She said visiting this holy city remains a lifelong dream for millions of devotees. Stressing the importance of collaboration between government agencies and the public, she urged all stakeholders to accelerate ongoing projects that will make Puri vibrant, beautiful, and spiritually enriching.
Ministers Stress Timely Execution
Minister Prithviraj Harichandan acknowledged the challenges that come with large-scale development projects but emphasized that with determination and systematic planning, obstacles can be overcome. He directed officials to ensure meticulous execution and timely completion of every project, underscoring the government’s commitment to transforming Puri into a world-class historic city without compromising its sanctity.
Key Development Projects Underway
The review meeting placed special focus on flagship projects that will redefine the city’s infrastructure and cultural appeal. Among these are the beautification of the Shree Gundicha Temple, which is expected to enhance the spiritual experience of devotees, and the upgradation of Pramod Udyan, a major recreational and cultural space. Officials also discussed progress on land acquisition for the Shree Mandir Adarsh Gurukulam, which will play a crucial role in preserving and promoting Jagannath culture and traditions.
Another important initiative is the Sevayat Housing Project, designed to provide modern housing facilities for temple servitors, thereby improving their quality of life. Plans for constructing a world-class Raghunandan Library and Shree Jagannath Research Centre were also reviewed, which will serve as hubs for cultural and academic studies. Additionally, the establishment of a Bhakta Niwas at the old police station site will create affordable lodging options for pilgrims, while conservation and restoration efforts at Atharnala and other historic monuments will protect the city’s heritage.
Heritage and Modernity to Coexist
Officials further examined architectural and infrastructural guidelines to ensure that Puri’s transformation reflects Odisha’s traditional cultural identity. One of the key objectives is to incorporate Odia architectural elements into all new infrastructure projects, thereby maintaining the city’s historic character. Unsafe and dilapidated buildings located near the Shree Jagannath Temple will be removed, while modern civic infrastructure, such as advanced equipment and upgraded facilities, will be installed to improve urban living conditions.
The government also emphasized strict compliance with National Heritage Authority regulations, making it mandatory to secure approvals from the Puri-Konark Development Authority before implementing any project. This ensures that heritage preservation remains central to Puri’s redevelopment plan, even as modernity shapes its future.
Broad Participation in Review
Senior officials from key departments were present at the meeting to provide updates and insights. Those in attendance included OBCC Managing Director Sameer Hota, EIC (Civil) Satyabrata Behera, Puri District Collector Divyajyoti Parida, Works Department Advisor Jayakrishna Das, and Shree Jagannath Temple Chief Administrator Arabinda Padhee. Their involvement highlighted the integrated approach being adopted by the state government, bringing together experts, administrators, and planners to make the transformation of Puri both seamless and inclusive.
Toward a World-Class Pilgrimage Destination
The Odisha government’s comprehensive plan for Puri aims not only at urban beautification but also at strengthening the city’s spiritual, cultural, and heritage value. By combining modern facilities with traditional aesthetics, the redevelopment is set to enrich the pilgrim experience while boosting tourism and creating new opportunities for the local economy.
The transformation of Puri into a world-class heritage city is expected to serve as a model for other historic pilgrimage destinations in India. By balancing large-scale development with the preservation of culture and tradition, the project will ensure that Puri remains both a spiritual haven for devotees and a global symbol of Odisha’s heritage.
