Bhubaneswar: In a significant move, the Odisha government is set to build a state-of-the-art multipurpose convention centre in Puri with an aim to transform the pilgrim town into a premier destination for conferences, cultural events, exhibitions, and large-scale public gatherings.
Housing & Urban Development (H&UD) Minister Krushna Chandra Mahapatra announced this at an urban outreach programme, organised on the theme ‘Jan Bhagidari for Viksit Odisha: Empowered Citizens – Inclusive Cities – Sustainable Urban Future’.
The proposed convention centre, with a seating capacity of 1,000, is planned to be a modern, world-class civic asset equipped with 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 address the long-standing need for a large, modern venue in Puri and significantly enhance the city’s event-hosting capabilities.
Describing Puri’s unique identity as one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations and an emerging global tourism hub, 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 Municipal Commissioner of Puri to initiate the necessary administrative processes and preparatory groundwork for the project on priority basis, ensuring its timely implementation.
He 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, Mahapatra said.
The Minister also announced that the state government is developing a broader roadmap for the creation of similar multipurpose civic infrastructure across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Odisha in a phased manner.
The initiative aims to strengthen urban amenities, encourage community engagement, and support the evolving needs of rapidly growing urban centres.
