THEBUSINESSBYTES BUREAU
BHUBANESWAR, JUNE 25, 2026
In a significant boost to Puri’s urban infrastructure and
tourism potential, Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra
Mahapatra has announced the establishment of a state-of-the-art Multipurpose
Convention Centre with a seating capacity of 1,000. The landmark project is
aimed at transforming the holy city into a premier destination for conferences,
cultural events, exhibitions and large-scale public gatherings.
The announcement was made during the State-Level Urban
Outreach Programme organised by the Housing & Urban Development Department
under the theme “Jan Bhagidari for Viksit Odisha: Empowered Citizens –
Inclusive Cities – Sustainable Urban Future.”
Envisioned as a modern, world-class civic facility, the
convention centre will feature contemporary amenities and flexible event spaces
capable of hosting national and international conventions, academic and
professional conferences, cultural festivals, government functions and
community events. The project is expected to bridge a long-felt gap in Puri’s
civic infrastructure by providing a large and modern venue for diverse
activities while significantly enhancing the city’s event-hosting capabilities.
Highlighting Puri’s unique stature as one of India’s most
revered pilgrimage destinations and an emerging global tourism hub, Dr.
Mahapatra said the convention centre would play a pivotal role in supporting
the city’s growing aspirations while complementing ongoing efforts to
strengthen urban infrastructure and public amenities.
The Minister directed the Commissioner of Puri Municipal
Corporation to initiate the necessary administrative processes and preparatory
work on a priority basis to ensure the project’s timely implementation.
Minister Dr. Mahapatra said, "Puri occupies a special
place on the global cultural and spiritual map. As the city continues to
attract visitors, pilgrims, scholars, and delegates from across the country and
abroad, the need for a modern convention facility has become increasingly
important. This project will not only fill a critical infrastructure gap but
also create new opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange,
knowledge-sharing, and economic growth. It represents our commitment to
building future-ready urban centres that serve both citizens and visitors
alike".
The Minister also announced that the State Government is
preparing a broader roadmap for developing similar multipurpose civic
infrastructure across Urban Local Bodies in Odisha in a phased manner. The
initiative is aimed at strengthening urban amenities, fostering community
engagement and addressing the evolving needs of rapidly expanding urban centres
across the state.
The announcement drew an enthusiastic response from public representatives, citizens and stakeholders attending the programme, who described the proposed convention centre as a transformative addition to Puri’s urban landscape.
Once completed, the facility is expected to emerge as a landmark civic asset, further enhancing Puri’s stature as a leading cultural, spiritual and tourism destination while contributing significantly to Odisha’s vision of sustainable, inclusive and citizen-centric urban development.
