With an estimated cost of Rs 2,203 crore, the Odisha Industrial Infrastructure Development Corporation (IDCO) has issued a call for bids for the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) mode of construction of Puri Sri Jagannath International Airport.
The construction project is supposed to be finished in 1,095 days. According to reports, technical bids will be accepted on April 21, 2024, and the online tender process will begin on February 21.
“The Chief General Manager (P&C), IDCO, IDCO Towers, Janpath, Bhubaneswar, on behalf of the Commerce & Transport Department, Govt. of Odisha, invites International competitive bids in Public Private Partnership (PPP) mode in double cover system through online mode only,” the IDCO letter stated.
Previously, the Centre had authorised the relocation of 27 acres of forest land to be used for the construction of the Shree Jagannath International Airport. The airport’s construction will undoubtedly have an impact on Puri’s environment. Therefore, it should be taken into consideration when building the airport, according to environmentalist Jagannath Bastia.
“Because the area is close to the sea, the Odisha Coastal Zone Management Authority should be consulted before the airport is built. Above all, an environmental impact assessment is required to determine how the new airport will affect the surrounding waters, atmosphere, wildlife, and avian population. The Centre will give an environment clearance certificate prior to the start of construction based on the report. To establish it, approval from the State Pollution Control Board will also be required,” he continued.
Residents of Puri have expressed their happiness with the development in the interim.
“The construction of Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri is fantastic news for the city’s citizens. The airport will result in a rise in the number of visitors to Puri. Puri will grow into a destination for ecotourism, according to a local.
