Puri to get international cruise terminal by 2028, Rourkela and Amarda airstrips to become airports

Odisha is set to witness two major infrastructure upgrades in transport and tourism. The state government has announced plans to establish an ultra-modern international cruise terminal in Puri by 2028, while also converting Amarda Road airstrip in Mayurbhanj into a full-fledged airport.

According to official sources, a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) has been signed between the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and the Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) for the cruise terminal project. The proposed site has been identified near the mouth of the Dhanasri River in Sipsubali, Puri district, covering nearly 60 acres of land. Consultancy firm WAPCOS Limited has been tasked with preparing the Techno-Economic Feasibility Report, which will determine the financial and operational roadmap.

The state aims to complete and operationalise the project by March 31, 2028. The proposal was formally revealed through a written response in the Odisha Legislative Assembly by Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena. To manage planning and execution, a Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be set up under the chairmanship of the Chief Executive Officer of the Odisha Maritime Board.

Once completed, the terminal is expected to put Puri on the international ocean tourism map, attracting luxury cruise liners and global travellers, while strengthening Odisha’s broader maritime economy and coastal tourism ambitions.