Odisha approves INR 2,000 Cr tourism push through land bank and waterfront development initiatives
Mohan Charan Majhi, Chief Minister, Odisha
The land bank is expected to facilitate investment in hospitality and tourism projects such as hotels, resorts, convention centres, wellness retreats, eco-tourism ventures, and more.
The Odisha government has reportedly approved two major tourism-focused initiatives with a combined investment of INR 2,000 crore over the next five years, aimed at strengthening tourism infrastructure and attracting private sector participation across the state.
According to online reports, the decision was taken during a Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi, where 10 proposals from five different departments received approval.
One of the key initiatives is the establishment of a dedicated Tourism Land Bank under the Department of Tourism. The scheme seeks to address the long-standing challenge of securing large, contiguous and investment-ready land parcels for tourism and hospitality projects.
As part of the programme, around 5,500 acres of both government-owned and private land will be identified and prepared for future tourism development. The land bank will cover several prominent destinations across Odisha, including Chilika, Konark, Puri, Dhauli, Hirakud, Satkosia, Similipal, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi, Deomali, the Buddhist Circuit, Jiranga, Talsari and Tampara-Aryapalli.
The initiative will be implemented between FY 2026-27 and FY 2030-31 with an annual allocation of INR 300 crore, taking the total investment under the scheme to INR 1,500 crore.
According to the government, the land bank is expected to facilitate investment in hospitality and tourism projects such as hotels, resorts, convention centres, wellness retreats, eco-tourism ventures and recreational facilities, thereby supporting tourism-led economic growth in the state.
In addition, the Cabinet has approved the Waterfront Development Scheme with a financial outlay of INR 500 crore over the same five-year period. The programme aims to revitalise riverfronts and urban water bodies in selected cities by transforming them into attractive, accessible and environmentally sustainable public spaces.
The state government believes the two initiatives will significantly enhance Odisha’s tourism infrastructure, improve visitor experiences and create new opportunities for investment and employment across the sector.
(Source - PTI)
