New Delhi, Apr 21 (KNN) The Tourism and Culture Minister of Odisha, Ashok Chandra Panda sought help from central government for giving boost to tourism in the state by promoting the rich cultural heritage of the state and improving connectivity.

The minister met Union Minister of State for Culture, Tourism (Independent Charge), Civil Aviation, Mahesh Sharma here today.

Panda requested the union minister to set up a Tagore Cultural Complex, Odisha dance Museum in memory of Guru Kelucharan Mahapatra, and also setting up an International Museum Day at Puri.

He said that connectivity is an important factor to facilitate the growth of tourism to a destination.

Although Bhubneswar was declared an International Airport in 2013 and has a new state of the art terminal, there is no International flight from the Airport till date, he said.

Panda requested that international carriers be allowed to operate from Bhuwaneswar Airport and as well as Air India should also operate an international flight from there. 

He further requested the release of funds worth Rs 8 crore for 8 Projects for which utilisation certificates have already been sent to the Union Ministry of Tourism. Some of these important projects include development of Buddhist Circuit, silk route and development of Golden Triangle among others. (KNN/ST)