Bhubaneswar: The proposed world-class cruise terminal project in Odisha’s coastal city of Puri has gained momentum, with Chief Engineer of Paradip Port Authority, Himanshu Sekhar Rout, conducting a detailed site inspection on Saturday.
The ambitious ₹1,000 crore project, announced earlier this year, will be developed at Sipasarubali and includes plans for a sprawling 1,500-acre modern township. The initiative is a joint effort between Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha state government, aimed at transforming Puri into a major tourism and infrastructure hub.
Strategic Location and Connectivity
The terminal is proposed at Sipasarubali Mouza, strategically located near the upcoming Puri International Airport and along the new Puri Bypass road. Once operational, it is expected to establish cruise connectivity linking Puri with Paradip, Visakhapatnam, and the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, significantly boosting both domestic and international maritime tourism.
Modern Infrastructure and Facilities
Officials indicated that the cruise terminal will feature:
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Advanced passenger handling systems
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Immigration and customs facilities
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Docking infrastructure for large cruise vessels
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Hospitality zones and recreational spaces
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Commercial areas to support tourism-related activities
The project will also incorporate robust security systems and eco-friendly measures to ensure sustainable coastal development.
Boost to Tourism and Economy
The cruise terminal is expected to complement the Samuka Beach Project, which aims to upgrade Puri’s beachfront into an international-standard tourist destination.
Experts believe the development will act as a catalyst for tourism-led economic growth, generating large-scale employment and boosting local businesses, hospitality, and allied sectors. It is also expected to significantly enhance urban infrastructure in the region.
Once completed, the project is poised to position Puri as a key node in India’s coastal tourism circuit, strengthening Odisha’s footprint in the global travel map.
-OdishaAge