Bhubaneswar: From an international cruise terminal to the promotion of Jagannath culture and tourism infrastructure, Puri was placed at the heart of the 2026-27 state budget on Friday, with chief minister Mohan Charan Majhi announcing special allocations to transform the pilgrim city into a premier religious tourism destination.
Lord Jagannath, revered by millions, featured prominently in the CM opening budget speech, with a dedicated provision for projects aimed at devotees. The govt will establish a world-class Shree Jagannath Interpretation Centre (SJIC) in Puri, backed by a budgetary allocation of Rs 1,000 crore.
"Mahaprabhu Lord Shree Jagannath — the eternal nurturer and protector of Odisha — continues to guide us with divine grace. It is our sacred duty to preserve and promote the eternal ‘mahima' of Mahaprabhu Lord Jagannath. With this commitment, our govt 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," Majhi said.
Majhi also earmarked Rs 5 crore for preparing a detailed inventory of the gems and jewellery stored in the Ratna Bhandar of Jagannath Temple. "As a poll promise, we committed to the people that we will make a detailed inventory of the ornaments and valuables of Lord Jagannath. 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," Majhi said.
Tourism infrastructure received a major boost with the announcement of an international cruise terminal at Puri at a cost of Rs 500 crore. A marine aquarium will also be developed to encourage longer tourist stays, thereby increasing local spending and strengthening the regional economy.
To align with the Centre's tourism initiatives, the state has identified the ‘Shamuka' project at Puri and Hirakud in Sambalpur as major destinations. "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. 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," Majhi said.
The special plans for Puri came close on heels of the govt elevating Puri Municipality to a municipal corporation on Dec 31, 2025, to strengthen its urban infrastructure, civic amenities, and overall quality of services for residents and tourists.
Debabrata Mohapatra is an Assistant Editor at The Times of India,...
Read MoreDebabrata Mohapatra is an Assistant Editor at The Times of India, Bhubaneswar. He had been writing for TOI from Puri since 2006 before joining the Bhubaneswar bureau in August 2010. He covers crime, law & order and Congress.
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