Bhubaneswar: Around 60 acres of land at Sipasarubali in Puri has been identified for the proposed development of an International Cruise Terminal, according to a reply in the Odisha Assembly.
The project is being pursued jointly by the Paradip Port Authority and the Odisha Maritime Board, with WAPCOS Limited currently preparing the techno-economic feasibility report.
The proposed terminal is aimed at strengthening Puri’s connectivity with the international cruise tourism network and could create new opportunities for the local tourism economy.
If the project moves forward, cruise tourism could generate demand across several sectors, including hotels, restaurants, transport services, tour operators, handicrafts and other local businesses. It could also provide opportunities for visitors arriving by sea to explore Puri’s cultural and religious attractions, including the Shree Jagannath Temple and other destinations in the region.
However, the project is still at the feasibility-assessment stage, and its eventual development will depend on the findings of the techno-economic study and subsequent approvals and implementation decisions.
With its established religious and tourism profile, the proposed terminal could add a new dimension to Puri’s role as a destination for both domestic and international visitors.
