The ancient town of Puri is set to undergo a transformative change with the introduction of an international airport. Spearheaded by the Odisha government, the initiative involves commencing the tender process for the development of the Puri Shree Jagannath International Airport, utilizing a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) framework, with an allocated budget of approximately Rs 2,203 crore. The call for bids was issued by the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO).
In its tender announcement, the IDCO, representing the Commerce and Transport Department of the Odisha government, outlined the invitation for international competitive bids in a PPP format, employing a double cover system and exclusively through online channels.
A stringent timeline has been established by the IDCO, aiming for the completion of construction within 1,095 days. The online tendering process is scheduled to commence on February 21, with technical bids slated for opening on April 21. Furthermore, the commercial operations of the airport are anticipated to commence within a span of seven years.
In preparation for the project, the state government has secured necessary licenses from pertinent agencies, including the Ministry of Environment, Forest and Climate Change, for the acquisition of forest land required for the undertaking.
Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik engaged in discussions with Prime Minister Narendra Modi in May of the preceding year, addressing various matters concerning Odisha’s proposal for the establishment of the Shree Jagannath International Airport.