: In a major boost to Odisha’s urban infrastructure, the State Government has announced the construction of a state-of-the-art Multipurpose Convention Centre in Puri with a seating capacity of 1,000 people. The ambitious project is expected to transform the holy city into a premier destination for conferences, exhibitions, cultural programmes, and large public events.
The announcement was made by Housing & Urban Development Minister Dr. Krushna Chandra Mahapatra during the State-Level Urban Outreach Programme organised by the Housing & Urban Development Department under the theme “Jan Bhagidari for Viksit Odisha: Empowered Citizens – Inclusive Cities – Sustainable Urban Future.”
The proposed convention centre will feature modern amenities and flexible event spaces designed to host national and international conferences, academic seminars, government functions, business meetings, cultural festivals, exhibitions, and community events. The facility is expected to address the long-standing need for a world-class venue in Puri while significantly enhancing the city’s event-hosting capabilities.
Highlighting Puri’s growing importance as one of India’s most revered pilgrimage destinations and an emerging global tourism hub, Dr. Mahapatra said the convention centre would strengthen the city’s infrastructure and support its expanding role in tourism, culture, and economic development.
“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 India and abroad, the need for a modern convention facility has become increasingly important. This project will not only bridge a critical infrastructure gap but also create new opportunities for tourism, cultural exchange, knowledge-sharing, and economic growth,” the Minister said.
He further directed the Commissioner of the Puri Municipal Corporation to initiate all necessary administrative procedures and preparatory work on priority to ensure the timely execution of the project.
Dr. Mahapatra also announced that the State Government is preparing a broader roadmap to develop similar multipurpose civic infrastructure across Urban Local Bodies (ULBs) in Odisha in a phased manner. The initiative aims to improve urban amenities, encourage community participation, and meet the evolving needs of rapidly expanding urban centres.
The announcement received an enthusiastic response from public representatives, citizens, and stakeholders attending the programme, who described the proposed convention centre as a landmark project for Puri’s future.
Once completed, the convention centre is expected to become a major civic landmark, reinforcing Puri’s position as a leading cultural, spiritual, and tourism destination while advancing Odisha’s vision of sustainable, inclusive, and citizen-centric urban development.