Bhubaneswar, Oct 13 (UDN): Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi has directed officials to accelerate the implementation of major infrastructure, heritage conservation and tourism development projects in Puri, making it clear that negligence and unnecessary delays will not be tolerated.
At a high-level review meeting held at Lok Seva Bhawan, the Chief Minister assessed the progress of several initiatives aimed at transforming Puri into a world-class heritage and tourism destination while preserving the traditions and rituals of Lord Jagannath and protecting the interests of servitors, traders and local residents.
Airport, Heritage and Temple Development in Focus
Majhi instructed the concerned departments to expedite key projects, including the proposed Sri Jagannath International Airport, reconstruction of the Raghunandan Library and establishment of the Sri Jagannath Interpretation Centre.
The meeting also reviewed plans for a new amusement park, comprehensive development of Sri Gundicha Temple and construction of a new kitchen for preparing Mahaprasad.
Emphasising the importance of supporting livelihoods alongside urban development, the Chief Minister directed officials to immediately rehabilitate street vendors removed from the Grand Road, or Bada Danda, near Srimandir. The vendors are to be relocated to an area around Sri Setu.
Religious Heritage and Cultural Landmarks to Get a Boost
The review covered the development of Gopaljiu Temple at Sakhigopal, Atibadi Jagannath Das’s Satalahadi Math, other prominent Maths in Puri and Maa Mangala Temple at Kakatpur.
Plans for restoring Satyabadi Bana Vidyalaya along the traditional Gurukul model and rejuvenating Bakulaban were also discussed, highlighting the government’s focus on preserving Odisha’s educational and cultural heritage.
Other projects under review included the reconstruction of a heritage bridge near Atharanala, redevelopment of Annapurna Theatre, beautification of Puri beach and comprehensive improvement of Swargadwar.
The meeting also examined arrangements for the Sandhya Arati and the Sagar Bije ritual of Lord Jagannath.
Road Connectivity and Tourism Infrastructure
The Chief Minister reviewed road-widening projects connecting Puri with Brahmagiri, Konark and Bhubaneswar, along with initiatives concerning Sri Jagannath Medical College, Blue Flag Beach, Astaranga Port and Konark Temple.
These projects are expected to strengthen connectivity, improve civic amenities and support tourism-related economic activity across the region.
Development Must Benefit Local Communities
Majhi underscored Puri’s importance as a symbol of Odisha’s cultural identity and a major spiritual destination for devotees from across India and abroad.
He stressed that development must meet world-class standards without compromising religious traditions or the livelihoods of local servitors, traders and residents. He also called for government welfare schemes to reach ordinary citizens effectively.
To ensure accountability, the Chief Minister directed departmental officials, district collectors and superintendents of police to monitor projects personally at the field level and ensure completion within the stipulated timelines. He emphasised coordinated action among departments to translate development plans into tangible social, economic and cultural benefits.
Senior Officials Attend Review Meeting
Chief Secretary Anu Garg, Development Commissioner D.K. Singh, Additional Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister Saswata Mishra, Puri District Magistrate Dibyajyoti Parida and Superintendent of Police Prateek Singh attended the meeting and briefed the Chief Minister on the status of the projects.
The review signals the state government’s push to accelerate Puri’s transformation while balancing modern infrastructure development with the preservation of its distinctive religious traditions and cultural heritage.