Bhubaneswar, Sept. 26 -- The Odisha government has set March 31, 2028, as the target to complete and operationalise a proposed international cruise terminal in Puri, a project aimed at giving a boost to the state's maritime and ocean tourism sector.

Commerce and Transport Minister Bibhuti Bhusan Jena disclosed the plan in a written reply in the Odisha Legislative Assembly.

As part of the groundwork, the Paradip Port Authority (PPA) and Odisha Maritime Board (OMB) signed a Memorandum of Understanding on October 22, 2024, to facilitate development of the terminal.

Around 90 acres of land have been identified at Sipasarubali in Puri district, near the mouth of the Bhargavi River, for the proposed facility.

The project is currently at the...