BHUBANESWAR: In a bid to promote native products of the State, a dedicated pavilion will be set up at the Biju Patnaik International Airport (BPIA). The Airport Authority of India (AAI) will soon send a proposal to the State Government to initiate official formalities for ‘Make in Odisha’ pavilion.
The project will be completed within six months and the BPIA authorities are in the process of identifying an appropriate space at the domestic terminal for setting up the pavilion. Handloom, handicrafts, cashew-based products and spices will be displayed and sold at these counters.
Tender process will be started for auction of counters at the pavilion by the end of this month. The project will be a self-sustained and authorities are planning to focus on Government agencies which deal with handicrafts and handloom promotion.
“The idea is at a germinating stage and we are working on a roadmap to make it financially workable. It will provide an opportunity for tourists and business people coming in from other parts of the country to have a taste of the local artefacts,” BPIA Director R Mahalingam said.
Currently, there are a couple of outlets at the Bhubaneswar airport where Odisha handloom products are available. There have been queries from tourists for other famous products like silver filigree and Pipili chandua which they can purchase on arrival or during departure, a BPIA staffer said.