Odisha's 2026-27 Budget Places Puri at Heart of Religious Tourism Transformation
In a landmark announcement on Friday, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi unveiled the state's 2026-27 budget with Puri positioned as the central focus for development. The budget includes substantial allocations aimed at transforming the historic pilgrim city into a world-class religious tourism destination, featuring major infrastructure projects and cultural preservation initiatives.
Major Budgetary Allocations for Puri's Development
The budget speech prominently featured Lord Jagannath, revered by millions of devotees, with Chief Minister Majhi emphasizing the government's commitment to preserving and promoting the spiritual heritage of Odisha. The most significant allocation is Rs 1,000 crore for establishing a world-class Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre (SJIC) in Puri, designed to serve as a comprehensive cultural and spiritual hub for visitors and devotees alike.
"Mahaprabhu Lord Shree Jagannath — the eternal nurturer and protector of Odisha — continues to guide us with divine grace," Majhi stated during his budget presentation. "It is our sacred duty to preserve and promote the eternal 'mahima' of Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath. With this commitment, our government will establish a world-class Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre at an estimated cost of Rs 1,000 crore, while restoring the spiritual glory of Gundicha Temple, Emar Math, Pramod Udyan and the historic Raghunandan Library."
Tourism Infrastructure and Temple Preservation
The budget includes multiple initiatives to boost tourism infrastructure and preserve cultural heritage:
- International Cruise Terminal: A Rs 500 crore allocation for developing an international cruise terminal at Puri to attract luxury cruise tourism and enhance maritime connectivity.
- Marine Aquarium: Development of a marine aquarium to encourage longer tourist stays, increase local spending, and strengthen the regional economy through extended visitor engagement.
- Ratna Bhandar Inventory: Rs 5 crore allocated for preparing a detailed inventory of gems and jewellery stored in the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple, fulfilling a key election promise.
"As a poll promise, we committed to the people that we will make a detailed inventory of the ornaments and valuables of Lord Jagannath," Majhi explained. "I am happy to allocate Rs 5 crore as grant-in-aid in favour of Shree Jagannath Temple Administration for preparation of a detailed inventory of all the ornaments of Ratna Bhandar."
Strategic Tourism Projects and Urban Development
The budget aligns with central government tourism initiatives by identifying key development areas:
- Shamuka Project: A 1,515.45-acre coastal tourism hub near Puri envisioned as a world-class destination blending cultural heritage with premium beach experiences and modern infrastructure.
- World Tourism Centre: Part of the Shamuka project, designed to serve as a global platform for tourism and enhance Odisha's international profile, supported by the proposed international airport.
- Hirakud Development: Sambalpur's Hirakud identified alongside Puri as a major tourism destination for strategic development.
"Spread across 1,515.45 acres, Shamuka is envisioned as a world-class coastal tourism hub, blending Odisha's cultural and spiritual heritage with premium beach experiences and modern infrastructure," Majhi detailed. "Strategically located near Puri and supported by the proposed international airport, the project will host a World Tourism Centre (WTC), designed to serve as a global platform for tourism and enhance Odisha's international profile."
Urban Infrastructure Enhancement
The special budget plans for Puri follow the government's recent administrative upgrade of Puri Municipality to a municipal corporation on December 31, 2025. This elevation aims to strengthen urban infrastructure, improve civic amenities, and enhance the overall quality of services for both residents and tourists, creating a more robust foundation for the city's transformation into a premier tourism destination.
The comprehensive budget approach demonstrates Odisha's strategic vision to leverage its rich cultural and spiritual heritage while developing modern tourism infrastructure, positioning Puri as a significant destination on both national and international religious tourism maps.
