The long-pending proposal for an international airport in Puri has received a significant boost, with the Central Government granting Stage-I, or in-principle, forest clearance for the project, allowing the diversion of forest land required for construction.
According to an official notification cited by OTV, the approval was issued under the Forest (Conservation) Act, 1980, following detailed evaluation by the Advisory Committee constituted by the Centre. The clearance permits the diversion of 27.887 hectares of DLC forest land under the Puri Forest Division for the proposed Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri district.
The Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change (MoEFCC) communicated its decision to the Odisha Government on April 1, 2026. The approval comes with certain conditions that the state government must comply with before final Stage-II clearance can be granted, which will allow construction to proceed.
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The airport is expected to significantly enhance air connectivity to Puri, a major pilgrimage destination, by providing direct links to key metropolitan cities. Officials have highlighted that the airport will not only serve as a transport hub but also contribute to tourism growth and regional economic development.
Upcoming Major Airports in India
The Shree Jagannath International Airport is part of a broader expansion of India’s aviation sector. Several greenfield and international airports are under development to improve connectivity, handle increasing passenger and cargo traffic, and support regional economies. Notable projects include:
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Dholera International Airport, Gujarat – Near Ahmedabad, spread over 1,400 hectares, expected by late 2026, serving the Dholera Special Investment Region.
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Shree Jagannath International Airport, Odisha – Expected post-2026, improving access for domestic and international pilgrims and boosting tourism.
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Kota Greenfield Airport, Rajasthan – Runway of ~3,200 meters, opening between 2026–2027, easing travel for students and families.
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Sonpur Greenfield Airport, Bihar – Planned around 2030 to relieve pressure on Patna Airport, increase passenger capacity, and support larger aircraft operations.
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Bhogapuram International Airport, Andhra Pradesh – Near Visakhapatnam, slated for 2026, improving international connectivity, coastal tourism, and exports.
Additionally, smaller regional airports are being developed under the UDAN scheme, including Datia and Satna in Madhya Pradesh, and Thoothukudi in Tamil Nadu, to strengthen India’s aviation network. The Stage-I forest clearance marks a critical step in turning the Shree Jagannath International Airport from concept to reality, paving the way for enhanced infrastructure and economic growth in Odisha.
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