Cabinet okays 5,500-acre land bank for hospitality Infra

Bhubaneswar: In a push to fast-track tourism-led economic growth, Odisha cabinet on Monday approved a landmark ‘Land Bank for Hospitality Infrastructure’ scheme to create a ready pool for hotels, resorts and allied facilities across the state.

State chief secretary Anu Garg said around 5,500 acres — comprising both govt and private land parcels — will be identified and developed across key tourism destinations, including Chilika, Konark, Puri (Shamuka), Dhauli, Hirakud, Satkosia, Similipal, Bhitarkanika, Daringbadi and the Buddhist circuit among others. More locations may be added based on tourism potential and destination-specific requirements.

The scheme will be implemented over five years from 2026-27 to 2030-31 with an annual outlay of Rs 300 crore, taking the total estimated investment to Rs 1,500 crore.

Officials said the initiative seeks to address a key bottleneck in tourism development — a lack of contiguous, encroachment-free and investment-ready land parcels. So, the cabinet approved the creation of a dedicated land bank under the tourism department to bridge this gap. The tourism department will be the nodal agency for implementation, coordination with departments, including general administration, IDCO, OTDC, revenue and disaster management, a govt statement said.

“The proposed land bank will enable destination-level master planning and provide investors infrastructure-ready land, reducing project gestation time and improving ease of doing business. It is expected to attract investments in hotels, resorts, convention centres, eco-tourism and wellness retreats, and other recreational facilities," Garg said.

The state govt views tourism as a key driver of economic growth, employment and regional development. Under its ‘Viksit Odisha 2036 and 2047’ vision, the state aims to position itself among leading eco- and cultural tourism destinations in India and Asia.

Designed as a statewide intervention, the scheme aims to ensure balanced regional development by promoting emerging destinations and creating economic opportunities in rural and remote areas. It is expected to generate employment for local communities, artisans, service providers and youth.

Officials said the initiative is expected to significantly boost private investment, increase tourist footfall, expand quality accommodation capacity and strengthen the local economy, helping Odisha emerge as a premier tourism destination.