The Odisha government on Monday detailed a Rs 3,651 crore infrastructure blueprint titled the ‘Building Management of Aviation Assets and Network’ (B-MAAN), to modernize civil aviation and railway connectivity.

Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhushan Jena announced the plan in the Assembly, highlighting its focus on new airports, upgraded rail networks, and enhanced interstate transport.

Major Infrastructure Upgrades

Under B-MAAN, Rs 328 crore is allocated for civil aviation, including a new greenfield airport at Paradip and upgrades to airports in Jeypore, Dandabosh, Rangeilunda, Jamadarapali, and Tusara.

A second international airport in Puri and the expansion of the Biju Patnaik Aviation Centre in Dhenkanal are also planned. Additionally, 10 tribal women will receive fully funded pilot training through an airline cadet programme.

For railways, Rs 320 crore will strengthen connectivity between major regions of the state. Additionally, the transport budget also includes Rs 466 crore for road transport upgrades and Rs 2,483 crore for expanding mass transit networks.

Twelve new AC sleeper buses will connect Bhubaneswar to cities like Tirupati, Indore, Shirdi, Ayodhya, Hyderabad, and Bhilai. The Intelligence Enforcement Management System (IEMS) will monitor highways, starting with Bhubaneswar-Puri, Rameswara-Panikoili, and Puri-Konark stretches.

Puri’s Upcoming International Airport

In the assembly session, the government confirmed that the development of the Shree Jagannath International Airport in Puri is moving ahead steadily, with 1,164 acres earmarked for development.

It also added that land acquisition is underway in Sipasarubali and Sandhapur villages, with public hearings scheduled on March 21 and 28. The project, estimated to cost Rs 5,631 crore, will be developed in three phases.

Land Acquisition & Rehabilitation

Affected families will receive compensation under the 2013 Land Acquisition Act, including:

Rs 5 lakh displacement allowance.

Rs 3.39 lakh housing aid.

Rs 1.13 lakh relocation support.

Rs 54,300 livelihood assistance.

Rs 25,000 for small businesses.